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THE
NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
OF CALIFORNIA
A Compilation of Records from the California Archives in the Bancroft
Library at the University of California, in Berkeley; and from the
Diaries, Old Papers and Conversations of Old Pioneers in «
the State of California. It is a True Record of
Facts, as They Pertain to the History of
the Pioneer and Present Day
N^;roes of California
I"
BY
DELILAH L. BEASLEY
\
Los Ancoblbb, Californu
1919
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- ^ ■
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Copyrifht 191»
by
I>«UUIiL.Bea4By
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POEBWORD
The author's reason for presenting a book of this kind to the public at this time is
not due to the fact that she is not cognizant of the fact that^ within the past fifty-four
jearsy much has been written regarding the Negro, but to our knowledge, practically no
attempt has been made to put into permanent form a record of the remarkable progress
made by Negroes in the State of CaUfomia.
For eight years the author of the ''Negro Trail Blazers" has worked incessantly. At
her own expense she has covered the great State of CaUfomia, yisiting small towns and
Tillages, witii like zeal with which she visited the larger cities, gathering facts concerning
the early pioneers of the race in the State. In gathering the data for this most unique
volume, she has sacrificed money, and health. She, however, shall feel well repaid for her
labor, if, through the perusal of these pages, there shall be an incentive to even greater
efforts by the Negro Bace in this State in the future.
Miss Delilah L. Beasley, author of this volume, has contributed many articles of inter-
est to the race, published in some of the leading journals and magazines of this country.
This volume is her greatest effort, and it is without a doubt her greatest contribution to
the literary world. It is hoped that the appreciation of her people for these earnest efforts
for their uplift and general enlightenment, will place this book in a conspicuous place in
the home of every Negro, and that as a work of literary and historical value, it will occupy
its place upon the shelf in every Public Library. In writing this little foreword I consider
it a very special privilege and favor to be permitted to recommend Miss Beasley and this
wori^
CHABLOTTB A. BASS,
Managing Editor of the California Eagle, Los Angeles, October 30, 1918.
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DEDICATION
The author is aware of the faet it ifl the eiurtom to dedicate a work of this kind to
one person, and yet, few writers have been as heavily indebted to a group of persons as is
the author of this work, owing to her long and almost fatal illness during the past year.
Hence she feels that the highest appreciation she can render these sincere friends is to ded-
icate this work to them; for, had it not been for their devotion and many acts of kindness,
it would have been impossible for the author to have had the courage to finish the book.
These friends are:
Dr. ^Wslbur Clarence Gordon, of Los Angeles, for careful medical attention and words
of cheer.
Miss Mary O. Phillips, of Berkeley, who, besides her financial aid, contributed much
in her constant letters of cheer and hope to ^e author's final recovery and publication of
this book.
Mrs. Undine Bradley, of Pasadena, who, aside from her financial aid, by visits and let-
ters of hope and cheer never allowed many weeks to pass without sendii^ assistance in
some form or other.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest A. Coons, of Los Angeles, who, especially after her relapse, did
an they could to aid the author to regain her strength by long auto rides, afterward furnish-
ing her with a home, typewriter and paper that the book might be completed.
Last but not least, the sacred memory of her mother, who would have been her greatest
reader, and kindest critic.
To these, "The Negro Trail Blazers of California" is most sincerely dedicated.
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PREFACE
In presenting to the public this historj, the author will state that she had spent eight
years an^ six months to the very day it was ready for the publishers; notwithstan ding
fully ten years was previously given over to the reading and study of the subject, before
actual work was begun. This reading was done while a resident of Springfield, Ohio, and
through the courtesy and use of the private libraries of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Heffel&nger,
Dr. and Mrs. Henry Dimond, Mrs. Asa Bushnell, Mrs. J. S. Crowell, Oapt. and the late
Mrs. E. L. Bushwalter, and many others, who, together with Mr. and the late Mrs. E. G.
Dyer, of Berkeley, encouraged the author to go to CSalifomia and write a book on the
"N^pro."
The research work, covering years, has included the careful examination of many rec-
ords of interest to the Negro contained in the California Archives and the Bancroft Library
at the University of California in Berkeley; interviewing old pioneers of the Negro Bace
in every section of the State wherever a railroad or horse and buggy could go; carefully
ATftTntning all old newspapers contained in the Bancroft Library from the first one pub-
lished in 1848 to the late nineties and every Negro weekly paper published in the State
from the first one in 1855 to the present date; examining the files and records of county
hospitals and poor farms, and many old papers in the hands of pioneer families, and send-
ing letters of inquiry to every board of supervisors in every county in the great State of
California seeking data concerning old pioneer Negroes, the property holdings, business
and other questions of vital interest to the history of the Negro Race in California. The
author will state that the boards in Los Angeles and Marysville were the only ones who
knew or took the trouble to send any reply of value; the others usually dismissed the sub-
ject by stating "They knew nothing concerning the condition or history of the Negroes
in that county. ' ' The author has spent much time in Boalt Hall of Law at the University
of CaUf omia in research work in the California Reports, statutes, Assembly and Senate
journals.
After securing sufficient data, the author by chance read to Father David R. Wallace,
of Oakland, a short description of "My City of Inspiration — San Francisco." It was the
original intention of the author to write a series of lectures, and not a history. Father
Wallace immediately suggested that she include the Pioneer Negro, and gave her a letter
of introduction to a pioneer lady by the name of Mrs. Annie Peters in Oakland. After
spending a day in talking over the pioneer history of the State with Mrs. Peters, the author
decided to write a history, and has spent five additional years in producing this work.
The author is not only grateful to Father David R. Wallace, who afterward gave her
several additional names for the pioneer list, but to Captain Floyd Crumbly, who has
loaned her books, and furnished the names of Negro United States army officers, and
offered many helpful suggestions including the criticism of the chapter on "The Negro
Soldier.'' The author is grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wilson (deceased), who per-
mitted her to quote from many old records in their possession, and to Mrs. Mary Grasses,
and brother, Mr. Sanderson, for permission to quote from the diaries of their father, the
late Rev. J. B. Sanderson. The author is also grateful to the late Col. Allensworth and
wife for many helpful suggestions, and to Mr. and Mrs. Levi Booth, Mrs. Lois Voswinkle-
Stevens, Mrs. C. M. Kinnie, Mr. and Mrs. Bert W. Perks, Mrs. Emma Voswinkle, of Berke-
ley, Mr. B. A. Johnson, of Sacramento, California, for data, and to Miss Ruth Masengale,
of Oakland, for translating Spanish documents for use in this work. The author is grate-
ful to Prof. Charles Edward Chapman, of the History Department of the University of
California, for calling her attention to data concerning the California Negroes in the
Spaiiish Archives, and to Professor Herbert Priestly, Assistant Curator of the Bancroft
Library for criticism of the creative work, and to the memory and relatives of the late
Hon. Theo. Hittell, who assisted the writer in verifying the creative work. The author's
last visit to this grand historian was just one month before his passing, when, owing to
his advanced age, she read to him from her manuscript. He paced the floor of his library
and exclaimed: "Oh, that I could live to see your book published. Every Negro in the
United States ought to buy a copy and more tlmn one white person will buy one."
The author also wishes to sincerely thank the Hon. Frances B. Loomis, who, while
managing the Odkland Tribune, accepted articles from her pen that she might have confi-
dence in herself and complete the book. She is sincerely grateful to Mr. Owen C. Coy,
Archivest of California, for furnishing her copies of the "Freedom Papers" contained
in the California Archives, and in a very great measure she is thankful to the Hon. John
Steven McGroarty, author of the "Mission Play," who so very^Jjpi^i^^^i^^i^^^his-
torieal part of the book, and gBYO the author very many helpful suggeetions which have
made it podbible for her to give the public a better historj. The author cannot say too
much for the tremendous value of a letter Mr. McGroarty gave her after his review of
the creative work. This letter was the direct means of creating confidence in the mem-
bers of the Negro Bace that the work promised to be worth while.
During the past year the author has been in very serious ill health and all during the
long monthiB of illness there were a few good, staunch friends who voluntarily sent money
whenever they wrote and neve^ allowed her for one moment to entertain a thought that
she would not get well nor complete the book. These ladies have the author's sincere
thanks: Mrs. Frances B. Loomis, Mrs. D. Gordon, the late Mrs. Alice Kinnie-Bumham,
Mrs. Teazell, Mrs. Undine Bradley, Miss Mary O. Phillips, Mrs. C. 0. Bliss, and Mrs. Maude
Warmington Coons. They stood by in many dark hours, and threw around the author a
mantle of love that would not let her sink. There was another group of ladies who did
many comforting things during these long months of illness, to whon^ sincere thanks are
given. They are espe^aUy: Mrs. Alice Harvey-Patton, whose true devotion and constant
attention did much to aid the author's recovery, and Mesdames Scott and Slayton and Miss
EUen Prowd. So, dear reader, this book has been made possible by friends ever helping
on up the hill with the load, and ''May God never let me be unmindful or ungrateful of
my friends."
DELILAH L. BEASLEY.
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AUTHORITIES CONSULTED
Afro- American Press (L Garland Pen).
History of Oalifomia (Howe Hubert Bancroft) ; Bancroft Co., San Francisco.
History of California (Theo. Hittell) ; published in San Pranciseo, 1888.
History of California (Friar Z. Engelhardt).
Sstory of California (Franklin Tuthill) ; published in San Francisco, 1878.
History and Bomance of California (John Steven McGroarty).
National and Civil History of California, from the original Spanish of Mignel Venegas, a
Mexican Jesuit; published at Madrid, 1758.
History of California (Venegas) ; published in London, 1759.
History of California (Norton).
Palou's Notices de la Neva (Alexander Forbs).
The Approach to California (Frederick J. Taggart); published in the Beports of the
Southwest Historical Quarterly, July, 1912, voL I.
Spanish California (Prof. Charles Edward Chapman).
Ciilifomia Historical Papers, in Bancroft Library.
California, an Intimate History of ((Gertrude Atherton).
California of the Padres (Helen Hunt Jackson).
GaUfomia, What I saw in; being the journal of a tour by the immigrant route and South
Pass of the Bocky Mountains across the continent of North America, the Great Desert
Basin and through California, in the year 1846-7 (Edward Bryant) ; Appleton ft Co.,
New Tork-Philadelphia, 1848.
California^ The Transition Period of, from 1846 to a State of the American Union, 1850
(Samuel Willey).
California, Three Years in (Bev. Walter Colton, U. S. N.) ; A. S. Barnes & Co., New York,
1850; H. W. Derby & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio, 1850.
CaHfomia from the Conquest 1846 to the Second Vigilante Committee (Joeiah Boyce).
California, Douglas' voyages from the Columbia river to, in 1840.
California (Bennett Papers) ; published by the General Association in Sacramento Union,
1869.
OEilrfomia, Who Conquered (Ide's Biogrraphical Sketch).
California in Pioneer Times (Gray).
CaUfomia, Sixty Years in (W. H. David).
California State Begister and Year Book of Facts for the Year 1857.
California Becords of Men in the War of the Bebellion (Bichard Arton)
California, Overland Stage to (Frank Boot, M. E. Connely, Sam Clemmens).
California, First Steamship Pioneers; edited by a committee of the Association of Pioneers
(George Gorman).
CaHfomia, Early Days in; an attempt to assassinate Justice Fields (Stephen Fields).
California Supreme Court Becords on the Public School question of 1872.
California Statutes for 1863 to 1869; Assembly Journals 1863.
California Beports, Number 56 (Forbs) ** People vs. McGuire."
California, Bomantic (Ernest Pexiotte).
The following books have been consulted concerning Slavery in California:
CatboHc Kings (Prescott).
Christianity and Humanity (Thomas Starr King) ; edited with Memories (Edward P.
Whipple).
Congressional Globe, 446, of the First Session and Thirty-First Congress, April 8, 1850,
and Congressional Globe, March 11, 1850; Thirty-First Session, ''CaUfomia, Union and
Freedom."
Conquerors of the New World, and their Bondsman (Sir Arthur Helps) ; published in
London, 1848-52, volume 2.
Contact of Baces (John Archibald).
Colton ^s Independence on the Pacific Coast before 1850.
Conqnerors of the New World and their Bondsman, being a narrative of the principal
events which led to Negro Slavery in the WM Indies and America (Sir Arthur Helps) ;
published in London, 1848.
Oalifomia under Spain and Mexico (Irvin B. Bichmond) ; Houghton and Mifflin.
Oalifomia from 1846 to 1888 (Jacob Wright Harlan).
Oalifomia Society of Pioneers and their celebraltion of the Tenth Anniversary of Admis-
sion to the Union, September 10, 1860 (Edward Bandolph); published in San Fran-
eieeo. Digitized by KJKJKJW i\.
California Pioneers of New England; Nieollas and Brown, San Franciaeo.
California by Qzteam, a narrative of crossing the plains in 1860 (Mrs. Lavina Honejman
Porter) ; published in Oakland Enquirer, Oakland, California, 1910.
California Beports, Number 51, "Slavery in California."
California Beports, Number 9, **Ex-Partra Archy."
California Beports, Number 2, "Carter and Bobert Perkins.''
California State Assembly and Senate Journals for 1850 to 1906.
California Debates in Convention on the founding of the State Constitution, September to
October, 1849 (J. Boss Brown).
Conquest for California (Eligar Kennedy) ; Houghton & Mifflin, New York, 1912.
History of Santa Clara County, California (J. P. Monroe).
History of Slavery and the Slave Trade, Ancient and Modem, the African Slave Trade
and the Political Slavery in the United States (W. O. Blake) ; J. & H. Miller, Colum-
bus, Ohio, 1858.
History of the Negro Bace from 1619 to 1880 (George W. Williams).
History of the Pacific Northwest (Joseph Schafer) ; McMillan Co., New York.
Historical Papers in Bancroft Library, Berkeley.
John Brown (Herman von Host).
Journey of Alva Nuez Cabeza de Vaca, and his companions, from the Floridas to the Pacific,
1526-36. Translated from his own narrative (Fanny Bandilier) together with the
Beport of Friar Marco of Nizza (Edited with an introduction by Adlf. Bandilier).
Junipero Serra (A. H. Fitch).
Mining Camps, a Study in American Frontier Government (Charles Edward Shinn) ;
Charles Scribner's Sons, New York, 1885.
Memories (Cornelius Cole).
Negro in the New "Wlorld (Sir Harry Johnston) ; The McMillan Co., New York, 1910.
Negro Problems (Seig).
Palaces and Courts of the P. P. I. E. (Julett James), San Francisco, 1915.
The Negro and His Needs (Baymond Patterson, with a Foreword by Hon. William Howard
Taft) ; Fleming H. Bevells, New York and Chicago.
Spain in America (Edward Ghiylor Bourne) ; 1450-1580, published in New York and Lon-
don, Harper & Brothers, 1904.
Spanish Conquest in America and its relation to the history of Slavery and the Govern-
ment of Colonies (Sir Arthur Helps) ; Harper & Co., New York, 1856-1868.
Story of the Pony Express (Glenn D. Bradley) ; McClurg & Co., Chicago, 1913.
Slavery in California after 1848 (C. A. Dunaway) ; before the American Historical Society,
1910, in Bancroft Library, Berkeley.
Slavery in California (Marion Beynolds) ; Boston Transcript.
Establishment of Government in California (Cardinal Goodman).
The following books have been consulted concerning San Francisco, California:
The Beginning of San Francisco, from the expedition of Anza, 1774, to the City Charter
of April 15, 1850, with biographical and other notes (Eldridge-Zoe Skinner) ; pub-
lished by Z. S. Eldridge, San Francisco, 1912.
San Francisco Great Begister of the City and County up to 1872 (in Bancroft Library) ;
A. S. Bancroft, San Francisco, 1872.
San Francisco Directories, regarding San Francisco, Sacramento and Marysville, July,
1850 (Bancroft Library) ; W. B. Cook & Co., Portsmouth Square, San Francisco.
San Francisco, As it Was, As it Is, and How to see it (Helen Throop Purdy) ; Eldridge
& Co., San Francisco, 1912.
San Francisco, a History of (John Hittell) ; San Francisco, 1878.
San Francisco, a History of the Vigilante Committee of.
San Francisco, Discovery of San Francisco Bay (George Davidson).
San Francisco, The Fogs and Sky of, (A. George McAdie) ; A. M. Bobertson, San Fran-
cisco, 1912.
San Francisco, Pioneer Times in.
San Francisco, Martin Monahan's Becolleetions narrated (Edward 8. Meeny); pub-
lished in Seattle Newspaper for January 28, 1906.
San Francisco, Annals of, 1852.
San Francisco (Helen Lockman Coif).
San Francisco, Colonial History of.
A Senator of the Fifties (Lynch).
A Tribute of Thomas Starr King (Bichard Frothington) .
A New Light on Sir Frances Drake (Mrs. Zelia Nuttall) Hackluyt Society, London.
American Digest, 1906.
History of Hayti and Life of Toussaint I'Ouverture (Charles Mossell).
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CONTENTS
Foreword — Charlotte A. Bass, Managing Editor of the Oalifomla Bagle, Los Angeles.
Dedication.
Preface.
Antboritiea Consolted.
PABTL
Historical Section
Chapter I. — ^Diseoverj of the Name California.
Chapter n. — Beginning of the Discovery of California, with Friar Marco, and the
Negro Ghoide, Estevancio, together with Coronado and the Negro Priest,
and the final discovery by Cartes, the ex- Viceroy of Mexico.
Chapter III. — End of the Spanish Bule in CaUfomia.
Chapter IV. — ^Bear Flag Party.
Chapter V. — ^Landing of Commodore John D. Sloate.
Chapter VL — Admission of California to the Union.
Chapter VII.— Pony Express.
Chapter Vm. — ^Bight of Testimony, Homestead Law, Elective Franchise.
Chapter IX. — Slavery in California, together with Freedom Papers.
PABT n.
The Chronicles of the Trail Blazers — a biographical Section. This section will appeal to
the reader in that it contains a chapter on The First Colored Settlers on the Pacific
Coast, a Pioneer List, and Negro Forty-Niners who were Miners.
Chapter X. — First Colored SetSers and Pioneer List.
Chapter XI. — Negro Miners, and Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People, at Beulah.
Qiapter XIL — ^Biographical Sketches.
PABT HL
Present Day Negro of California.
Chapter XIII.— Just California.
Chapter XIV. — Something of the Negro Chnrches.
Chapter XV.— Education.
Chapter XVI.— Law.
Chapter XVII.— Music.
Chapter XVUI. — ^Distinguished Women.
Chapter XIX. — ^Doctors, and Dentists.
Chapter XX — ^Literary, comprizing a full account of all the Negro Newspapers ever
published in California and which were a factor in the development of
the race.
Chapter XXI. — ^United States Negro Army Officers, both retired, and living in the State,
and those who served in the National Army in France.
Chapter XXn. — ^The Negro at the Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Fran-
cisco. (This chapter has been published in a series of articles in the
Oakland Tribune by the author).
Chapter XXTTT.— The End of the Trail.
Chapter XXIV — Notes on the Text; which will serve the place of foot-notes and is much
easier to read.
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LIST OP ILLUSTRATIONS
Beasley, Delilah L ^.JProntiflpieeo
Allensworthy Lieat.-Col. Allen PAQB
(deceased) ~ 21
Alexander, Prof. Charles ^ 68
Alexander, Hon. James M. 75
Ballard, Dr. Claadias. 67
Ball, Dr. Joseph W. — 220
Bartlett, Prof. Elmer 184
Bass, Editor Joseph B 68
Bilbrew, Mrs. A. C. Harris.. — 166
Brooks, Bergt. Henry M 270B
Browning, Dr. Henry W_... ~ 219
Buckner, Mrs. Eva Garter 130
Bntier, Mrs. Ardella 166
Bntler, Hon. Walter A 165
Bynum, Mrs. Owens. 201
Oerati, Attorney E. Burton 93
Ghrisman, Miss Gkrtmde..... 148
Chrisman, Mrs. Louise — 148
Oleghom, Bev. W. T_ 254A
Cole, Mrs. Sadie Chandler 94
Coleman* Hon. John Wesley 238
Crumbly, Capt. Floyd H 39
Easton, Hon. Wm. E. 22
Darden, Attorney Charles 58
Dones, Sidney P. 58
Garrott, Dr. Alva C 219
Gordon, Dr. Wilbur Clarence 220
Greggs, Bev. N. P « 254A
Harris, Miss Gladys Beo... 112
Huddelston, Mrs. Ellen 147
Hughley, Mme. Ella Bradley
(deceased) ...- 183
Isum, First Sergt. Charles Baymond 270A
Jackson, Mme. Lydia Flood 112
Johnson, S. P. ^ 219
Jones, Bev. Charles Price ^^^^
Kimbrough, Lieut. Jesse 21
Logan, Mrs. Albert.. 166
PAGE
Lucas, Lieut. Eugene... 270B
Macbeth, Attorney Hugh E. 202
McE^nney, Capt. T. Nimrod 39
Mason, Mrs. Biddy (deceased) Ill
Outlaw, Dr. John S. « 219
Patton, Mrs. Juanita Alice 94
Patton, Malcolm Harvey (Junior).... 184
Beynolds, Capt. Wm... 22
Beynolds, Sergt. Baoul 22
Biehardson, Mrs. Sallie.. 148
Bicks, William Nauns. — ~.... 39
Boberts, Hon. Frederick Madison — 40
Saddler, Sergt. MUton.. 286B
Scott, Mrs. J. M 166
Shackleford, Mr. and Mrs. J. H.. 112
Somerville, Dr. John Alexander 220
SomerviUe, Dr. Vada.... 220
Stephens, Miss Virginia 76
Stevens, Mrs. Willa... 130
Stovall, Mme. Kate Bradley
(deceased) 129
Stovall, Dr. Leonard 21
Sul-Te-Wan, Madam 237
Talbert, Mme. Florence Cole 94
Temple, Dr. Buth J.. 94
Thompson, Mrs. Beatrice Sumner 130
Thompson, Mrs. Eloise Bibb 130
Thompson, Hon. Noah D 254A
Tilghman, Mrs. Hettie B 166
Troy, Hon. Theodore W 202
Tyler, Attorney Willis 22
WaU, Mrs. A. H 112
Wallace, Father David B 254A
White, Mrs. Mamie Cunningham 148
White, Lieut. Joumee W -. 286A
Wilkins, Prof. Wm. T 184
Wrestacres, suburban home of Hon.
Walter A. Butler 165
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THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
OF CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER I
DiSCOVBBY OP THE NaMB OP CaUPOBNIA
We are told by histoiians that for centimes before California was discovered every
explorer started out to find the Northwest Passa^ to the Indies, and the seven cities of
Gibolia. These cities were reputed to be rich in turquoise and gold. I think even in this
day if explorers were told that somewhere, undiscovered, there were cities with houses of
gold and pillars of turquoise, they would sacrifice every thing, even life if necessary, that
they might behold such beautiful cities on earth.
Consequently, when Columbus sailed on his fourth voyage of discovery he wrote a
letter to l^ng Ferdinand and Queen Isabella (original note in ''His Level Best" by Hale).
This letter contained the following in regard to the South Seas, then undiscovered, and
known to us as the Pacific Ocean: "I believe if I should pass under the Equator in arriv-
ing at this high region of which I speak, I should find a milder temperature and a diver-
sity in the stars and in the waters. Not that I believe that the highest point is navigable,
whence these currents flow, nor that we can mount them, because I am convinced that
there is the Terrestrial Paradise, which none can enter but by the will of God."
Immediately following Columbus's letter, Mr. Hale quotes from Dante's ''Divina
Comedia," and Longfellow's Notes to the "Purgatories" to prove that Columbus had
these writings in mind when he made use of the passage referring to the "Terrestrial Para-
dise, which none can enter but by the will of Gh>d. ' ' The writer would not attempt to say
these writings influenced his words or his great, though unsuccessful, attempt to discover
the Northwest Passage or were the cause of his speaking thus, but if we follow the trend
of discovery and occupation on this coast we will find Columbus's words like the notes of
a beautiful symphony ringing through it all — ^"None can enter but by the will of God."
This letter was written by Columbus in the year 1503, and in the year of 1510, there was
published in Spain a romance called "La Sergas de Espladian" by Garcia Ordonez de
Hontalvo, translator of Amadis of GkiuL In tl^ iiovel the author speaks of the "Island
of California." The name is speUed the same as it is today. It has been said that Cortez
had the romance in mind when he discovered and named the peninsula in 1535. For this
statement we have the authority of the historian Herrera.
California! What a charm the name carries with itt There seems to be a romantic
inspiration in the very pronunciation, but whence did it originate f We are told that for
years scholars debated its origin; one tracing it to the Latin, another to the Greek, others
claiming that it was given by the natives.
The reading public refused to accept as satisfactory any of the statements offered
until after Mr. Edward Everett Hale read a paper before the American Antiquarian So-
ciety at a meeting held in Boston, April, 1862. In this paper Mr. Hale told of having
read a Spanish romance called "La Sergas de Espladian" by Garcia de Montalvo. In this
book the author speaks of the "Island of OUifomia," with the same spelling for the name
"California." Mr. Hale explained that the failure of the great authors to find the origin
of the name "California" was because that "after 1542, no edition of the 'Sergas of
Espladian' was printed in Spain so far as we know until 1575, and after that in 1587,
and none for two hundred and seventy years more. The reaction had come when the Curate
burned the books of Don Quixote. He burned this among the rest. He saved Amadis of
Gauly but he burned Espladian. We will not spare the son for the virtues of the father."
These words show Cervante's estimate of it as early as 1605.
Mr. Hale further stated that when he read this romance pertaining to the Island of
CaHfomia, and noted the similarity of spelling, there were only two copies in the world,
one eopy in Mr. Ticknor's collection in Uie Public Library of Boston, Mass., and another
copy in the Congressional Library in Washington, D. C. Mr. Hale, in "His Level Best,"
flivee a chapter from this romance, an extract of which is now quoted:
18 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
CHAPTEB CLVII. LA SBBGAS DE ESPLADIAN
"Enow 76 that on the right hand of the Indies there is an island called California,
verj near the Terrestrial Paradise which is peopled with black women without any men
among them, beeause they were accustomed to live after the fashion of the Amazons. Thej
were of strong and hardy bodies, of ardent courage and of great force. The island was
the strongest in the world from its steep rocks and great cliffs***Their arms were aU of
gold and so were the caparisons of the wild beasts which they rode after having tamed
them, for in all the island there is no other metal but gold.
"They lived in caves very well worked out of the rocks with much labor. They had
many ships in which they sailed to other climes to carry on their forage to obtain
booty* **The various Christian knights assembled to defend the Emperor of the Oreeks
and the city of Constantinople against the attacks of the Turks and the Ii^dels and on
this occasion the Queen of California and her court entered this war."
The discovery of the name is equaUy as interesting as the land of California. The
story of the ox-team and prairie schooner to California after the discovery of gold readily
recalls to mind the words of Columbus, * ' None can enter but by the will of Gk>d. ' ' It has
beoi said that in the trail of the ox-team to California or "The Eldorado," meaning "the
home of the Gilded One," were strewn with the bleaching bones of persons who lost their
lives trying to reach the land of California.
Columbus longed to discover what he thought must be a land very near the Terrestrial
Paradise. Let the reader compare his wish to the oft repeated expression that "California
is next door to heaven;" an expression frequently made by eastern tourists after their
first winter in California. The modem writers speak of the land of California as the
"Land of Heart's Desire." It is so generous to mankind. It can supply almost the entire
United States with its deciduous and citrus fruits, its cotton, rice, gold, silver and quick-
rilver. Any time of the year, somewhere in California there are fresh vegetables growing.
Nature seems to be inexhaustible in its desire to please mankind and supply his every wish.
If one is of an artistic temperament he can have that instinct developed without the
aid of any other teacher save a constant view of the beautiful valleys, lofty mountains,
and glorious and bewitching sunsets. The great variety of wild flowers which in the spring
time cover like a carpet the foothills and valleys of the high Sierras, scattered with( the
gold of the poppies, the blue of the Lupin, wild violets and buttercups make a picture of
perfect harmony. Few artists can paint a picture of spring in CaUfomia and tell with
the brush half of its inspiring beauty. It luts been said that following the rainy season,
the wild flowers on Mount Tiuoalpais near San Francisco are of so many varieties that it
is given for a fact that three hundred and twenty-five different kinds and colors adorn its
dells and canyons.
Aside from wild flowers, California abounds in majestic palms, and magnolias, crepe
myrtle and pepper trees. The shrubbery and small flowering trees of every species known
to civilized man from aU parts of the United States, Japan and Australia grow in Cali-
fornia in all their beauty as they would in their native land.
The part of Columbus's wish in the letter to Eing Ferdinand and Queen Isabella: "I
believe that if I should pass under the Equator in arriving at this high point of which
I speak, I should find a xnilder temperature and a diversity in the stars and in the waters;
Not that I believe that the highest point is navigable whence these currents flow, nor that
we can mount them, because I am convinced that there is the Terrestrial Paradise, which
none can enter but by the will of Gbd." The people of the entire world are realhing this
wish now that the PEinama Canal has been completed and vessels are thereby enabled to
pass through the Equator and not under in passing through the locks and waters of the
The repeated and unsuccessful attempt of the French (Government to cut the eanal,
and the difficulty the American Government encountered in the terrible battles between the
forces of nature and the engineering skill of the American civil engineers, however, led as
if by the will of God to a £ial completion of a navigable canal. Note Columbus's words,
"None can enter but by the will of God."
Let the reader compare the fictitious California as given in the Spanish romance, and
the present-day American State of California. The fictitious California was supposed to
be rich in gold and so is the real California. The fictitious supposed to have been the
home of beautiful black women with strong and hearty bodies. The writer challenges the
world to produce more beautiful women than the State of California. They are strong
and hearty, because they engage in almost every kind of outdoor exercise often acquiring
a heavy coat of tan. This does not worry them in the least, for they immediately proceed
to sleep out of doors by night, confident in the fact that if too much golf and tennis has
produced this tan, the glorious fog comes in through the Golden Gate and down the valley
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OF CALIFORNIA 19
and kiBsee roses into their eheeks making them the most beautiful and healthy appearing
women in all the world.
If Columbus had ever reached California he would not only have thought it was very
near the ''Terrestrial Paradise," but he would have said with Joaquin MUler:
''Be this my home till some fair star
Stoop earUi-ward and shall beckon me,
For surely God-land lies not far
From these Greek heights and this great sea.
My friend, my lover trend this way
Not tu along lies Aready."
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CHAPTER II
Bbqinning of the Di8(X)veby of California with Frulb Maboo, and the
Nbobo Guide Estevancio, toobtheb with Gobonado and the Neobo
Priest and the Pinal Discovery by Cobtez, the
Ex-ViCEBOY OF Mexico, in 1535
The reader in the preceding chapter has been given the t^ing of the diseoverj of the
name '' Calif omia'' to a Spaidsh novel published in 1510, while California was not dis-
covered hj Cortez until 1535. Nine years previous to its discovery there started from
Spain an exploring expedition "under the direction of Governor Panfilo de Narvaez, who
departed from the port of San Lncar de Barameda with authorities and orders from your
majesties to conquer and govern the provinces that extend from the river of the Palms to
the cape of the Floridas, these provinces being on the mainland. The fleet he took with
him consisted of five vessels in which went six hundred souls." (From the translation by
Fanny Bandolier of the Journey of Alva Nuez Cabeza de Yaca, and his companions).
This translation further states that ''The expedition met with many hardships. Several
ships were destroyed by a West Indian hurricane and hostile Indians killed a large number
of the remaining members of the party; and at one time the party was so reduced that it
seemed they were all doomed. It was then a thought occurred to Cabeza de Vaca, who
in the beginning of the expedition acted as treasurer of the company; he decided to act as
leader in an effort to save the lives of the remaining members of the party, turned 'Medi-
cine Man/ saying the 'Bosary' and making the 'Sign of the Cross' on the sick Indiana."
This pleased the Indians,' who afterward passed the party in safety from one tribe to
another.
"Nevertheless the party grew smaller every year until at the end of nine years, when
they reached Culiacan, out of six hundred souls there were only a party of three Spaniards
and one Negro remaining." This translation also gives a graphic account of the nine
years of exploring by Cabeza de Vaca and his companions before they reached Culiaean,
and how they would pass tents which showed that civilized men had spent the previous
night. Cabeza de Vaca said that, "Having positive traces of Christians and becoming
satisfied they were very near, we gave thanks to Ood our Lord for redeeming us from our
sad and gloomy condition** *That night I entreated one of my companions to go after the
Christians who were moving through that part of the country.** *Seeing their Aluctance in
the morning, I took with me the Negro and eleven Indians, and, following the trail, went
in search of the- Christians. ' '
He then tells how he and the Negro were the first to meet Diego de Alcaraza, who was
an officer of Nueno de Guzman, and that he asked for a "certified statement of the year,
month, and day when he met them, also the condition in which he came. ' ' To which request
this officer complied. Cabeza de Vaca then tells how that, afterward, he sent the Negro
as guide with a party of horsemen and fifty Indians after Dorantes and Castillo, who were
the remaining members of the party. He stated that "Five days afterward tiiey joined
him, returning in company with the Negro and those sent after them."
Cabeza de Vaca then decides that it will be well to give the names of those who after
nine years of exploring should be fortunate in reaching the Pacific Coast and said, "And
now that I have given an account of the ship, it may be well to record also who those are
and where from, whom it pleased Ood to rescue from all those dangers and hardships. The
first is: Alonzo de Castillo Maldonado, a native of Salamanca, a son of Dr. Castillo Mal-
donado, and Dona Alonza Maldonado. The second is Andrew Dorantes, son of Pablo Do-
rantes, bom at Benjar, but a resident of Gilraleon. The third is Alvar Nuez Cabeza de
Vaca, son of Frances de Vera and grandson of Pedro de Vera, who conquered the Canary
Islands. His mother was called Dona Teresa Cabeza de Vaca and she was a native of
Xerez de la Frontera. The fourth is Estevanico, an Arab Negro from Azamore on the
Atlantic Coast of Morocco." The writer has quoted the four names to show that the
Negro was in the original party when they started from Spain, and that he came from
Azamore on the Atlantic Coast of Morocco.
Through this translation the reader is given the knowledge that the first two persona
to reach the west coast of Mexico in an exploring overland expedition from Florida to the
Pacific Coast were one Spaniard and a Negro, and that in five days afterward they were
joined by two other Spaniards and a number of Indians.
In another translation by the same author of the "Beport of Father Marco of Nissa
and his expedition to Cibolia in which Estevanico, the Negro, acted as guide and perished,"
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OF CALIFORNIA
21
IJEUTENANT-COLONEL ALLEN ALLENSWORTH (decpased)
DR. LEONARD STOVALL
First Lieutenant Medical Reserve Corps.
Served in National Army in France.
LIEUT. JESSE KIMBROUGHl/>
365th Infantr.v?)it^2p^feyfettff&l^e^l^
22
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
ATTORNEY WILLIS O. TYLER
Corp. 8th Indiana U. S. Volunteers,
Spanish-American War.
HON. WM. EASTON
War Historian.
CAPT. WILLIAM T. REYNOLDS
Spanish-American War Veteran.
SERGT. RAOUL T. REYNOLDS
Promoted for efficiency to Platoon
Sergeant. Co. I, 365th Infantry,
U. S. A., in France.
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OP CALIFORNIA 23
is given an interesting aeeount of the part Estevanieo, the Negro, took in the diseovei^
of the Sonthwestem part of this continent, which eventaally led te the discoverj of Call-
fomia, as the following will show:
"Soon after these thre^ Spaniards and the Negro reached Mexico City and told of
their strange ezi)erience8 and the many cities they had passed through during the nine
years of travel across the continent, Gortez, who had been deposed as Viceroy of Nueva
Kspana, but at the same time was given permission by the King of Spain to explore and
discover at his own expense, whereupon after hearing of the arri^ in Mexieo City of these
duree Spaniards and the Negro and their experiences in exploring, decided to use the power
given to him by the King to explore. He then proceeded te build some ships to be used
by him in an expedition of discovery, and started out. He sailed into the Gulf of Lower
California and hence into the Pacific Ocean, where he discovered the Santa Orus Islands,
which he named " Calif omia."
In the meantime Oabeza de Yaca and his party decided to return to Spain. They
embarked in separate boats; Cabeza de Yaca and Castillo in one boat, and Dorantes and
the Negro in another. A terrible sterm drove them back to port. Soon afterward they
again set sail, when a more severe storm again overtook them, and Dorantes and the Negro
returned to shore. They did not attempt again to leave. Since there was no "Wireless''
in those ^jb, Cabeza de Yaca did not know that the boat with Dorantes and the Negro
was not following him until he reached Habana, Cuba. After waiting for the boat a reason-
able time he sailed for Spain. "Upon his arrival, he was made Governor of a province as
a reward for his nine years of hardship while exploring in the interest of the Crown of
Castile."
Yieeroy Mendoza, the then ruler of Nueva Espana, being anxious to explore in the
interest of the King of Spain, hearing that the Negro and Dorantes were stiU in Mexico
City, sent for Dorantes and told him he would fit out the necessary outfit for an expedition
of exploring. Dorantes consented, but afterward decided not to undertake the task. He
had not forgotten the nine years of exploration with Cabeza de Yaca.
Yieeroy Mendoza was not discouraged and determined to send out a party and to
that end employed the Negro. His success at this is told in a letter to the King of Spain.
It has been translated by Fanny Bandolier and says: "A letter written by the most
Honorable Lord Don Antonio de Mendoza, Yieeroy of Nneva Espana, to discover the end
of the Firmeland of Nnena Espana toward the north. The arrival of Yasquez de Coro-
nado with Friar Marco at Saint Michael of Culiacan with commissions to the governors
of those parte to pacify the Indians, and not make slaves of them any more." Mendoza
then tells at great length of fitting up an expedition for Dorantes which was given up
' ' and he still had in hand the Negro who returned from the aforesaid voyage who, together
with certain Indians bom in these parte, whom I sent with Friar Marco de Mica and his
companions, a Franciscan Friar because they had long traveled and exercised in these
parte and had great experience with the Indians and were men of good affairs and con-
sciences — for whom I obtained leave of their Superiors. So' they went with Friar Yasquez
de Coronado, Governor of Nueva Galicia, unto the city of Saint Michael of Culiacan."
Mendoza, then speaking of Governor Coronado, says: "Because I had likewise ad-
vertisement of a certain province called Topria sitoated in the mountains, I had appointed
the Governor Yasquez de Coronado that he should use means to learn the stete tiiereof.
He, supposing this to be a matter of great moment, determined himself to go and search
it, having agreed with the said Friar that he should return by that part of the mountain
to meet with him in a certein valley called Yalle de Coracones, being 120 leagues distant
from Culiacan." Mendoza closes the letter by saying: "The Governor, travelmg in those
provinces, found great scarcity of victuals there and the mountains so scmggy that he was
forced to return home to Saint MichaeL So that as well as in the choosing of the entrance
as in not being able to find the way it seemed unto all means that Gk>d would shut up the
gate to all those which, by strength of human force, have gone about to attempt this enter-
parise and hath revealed it to a poor and barefoot Friar and so the Friar b^an to enter
into the land."
HitteU's History of California (p. 69), in speaking of Coronado, wys: "Coronado,
believing that the approaching winter would seriously embarrass his movemente, deter-
mii^ed to hasten back. He therefore hurriedly set up a cross with an inscription commem-
orating his progress thus far and then as rapidly as possible retraced his steps. A few
of the people, however, including Father Juan de PadiUa, Father Luis de Eseabona and a
Negro Priest, were so fascinat^ with the beautiful diversity of river, hill and plains at
Quivera that they determined to remain there. ' ' Mr. Hittell gives Herrera as his authority.
The writer called on this author and asked if his reference referred to the Negro Priest or
other members of the party. He frankly said that it referred to the Negro Priest, and
because of his interest in the Negro Bace he made note of it in his history.
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24 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
However, in a desire to remove any possible donbt as to the Negro Priest being with
Coronado 's expedition of exploration in an effort to discover California, the writer has been
fortunate in having a friend, Miss Buth Masengale, voluntarily to offer to translate some
Spanish documents, among which was the one given by the historian, Hon. Theodore Hit-
tell. This translation, as found by Miss Masengale, read that "Francis Yasquez de Coro-
nado returned to New Galicia pleased with this land. Many would have populated it but
they could not. The Friar Luis de Escalone of Saint Vida wished to stay in this land to
watch over the service of God and to see if preaching could possibly save them, and more-
over, if necessary, he would suffer martyrdom and not wish another thing but a perfect
slave of a captain for his consolation, and to learn the language and change the love of
religion. They would stay with him in this land of the Becorteas some Christian Indians
of Melchoacan, and two Negroes, one with his wife and children; beside, the Friar Juan
disputed the return to Quivera and after the declaration there went with him, Andres de
Campo, a Portuguese, and another Negro that took the habit of a friar. He carried sheep,
chickens, a horse with embellishments, mules and other things. Some that were with him
killed him when they came to the cape. If it were to take what he had brought from him
or for other reasons is not known. A Mexican Indian called Sebastian and a Portuguese
brought the news.'' It seems passing strange that after hundreds of years, a colored girl
and a native daughter of California should be the one to translate this document for its
use in the history of the Pioneer and Present Day Negro of California, thereby giving the
reading public the knowledge that Cbvemor Coronado on his trip of exploration in an
effort to discover in the interest of the Crown of Castile, should have in his expedition
several Negroes and even a "Negro Priest.''
Let us continue the tracing of the journey of Friar Marco and the Negro, Estevancio.
The translation by Fanny Bandillier which said "Friar Marco rested on Palm Sunday,
sending the Negro and certain Indians who, if he thought it worth while, would send back
messengers. The Negro always marked his own journey by large wooden crosses. After
Easter, Friar Marco proceeded to follow the 'journey' of the Negro in an effort to reach
the Seven Cities of Cibolia." In another passage this translation says, "Friar Marco
traveled thus nearly two weeks and traversed several deserts, guiding his course by the
wooden crosses which Estevancio had erected to direct the road. But before he retched
Cibolia, he met an Indian messenger who told him that the Negro had reached Cibolia and
when he entered the city he found hostile Indians, who killed him. ' ' Friar Marco of Nissa
in his report says, "Having seen the disposition and situation of the place, I thought it
good to name that country, 'El Nueva Beyno de San Francisco.' "
In an effort to give the reader all the knowledge possible concerning the Negro, Este-
vancio, and the cause for which the Indian killed him upon his entering the city of Cibolia,
the writer had Buth Masengale translate Friar Marco's report as given by Antonio Her-
rera "dec. 6, libro 7, cap. 7", which she found as follows: "First upon arriving at the
villa of Saint Michael in Culiacan, as advised by the Castillano, that they should assure
the Indians that the King had been concerned about the bad treatment they had had and
that there will bd none ^nceforth and those who do contrary will be punished and they
will not become slaves any more; nor will they be drawn out of their country and they
will lose fear and serve Gk>d that is in the heavens, and the King in whose hand the country
has been placed to rule and govern it temporarily, that notice as decreed by Francis Vas-
ques de Coronado, the conversion and good treatment of the natives. Upon finding a com-
mand to enter into the country, we carried with us Estevancio, who was called Dorantee,
he that went out with Cabeza de Vaca, Castillano and Orantes of the Floridas, he that was
the good companion of the Indians which went with the above mentioned and the rest of
Petsdand and in this made the best of that which presented itself."
In the portion of the letter pertaining to the death of Estevancio, Buth Masengale '•
translation says: "Tour fathers, sons, and brothers are dead, more than three hundred
men, and cannot come from Cibolia; and Estevancio sent his gourd and told the governor
that he was to head (or save) and gave peace and the governor flung the gourd to the
ground and said they were not his own***The other day Ertevancio went out of the house
and some principals with him and many from the city fell upon them and they, fleeing,
tumbled over one another, being more than three hundred, beside women, and when they
themselves were shot with arrows and wounded as it seemed they fell down among the dead
until mght***that they had not seen Estevancio any more; but believed that he had been
shot witii the others. Friar Marco prayed for some to go and see M^t was become of
Estevando, which none would." This translation has given to the reader the words of
praise the Friar Marco wrote to the King of Spain in regard to the "Negro guide, Este-
vancio. ' '
The following is quoted from another account of the death of Estevancio as given by
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v^iv.
OP CALIFORNIA 25
HaeUajt's collection of voyages of early English Nations, (1600 edition), which says:
*'The cause, therefore, Stephen Dorantes was slain I demand upon what occasion he was
killed, and he answered me that the Lord of Gibolia, inquiring of him whether he had other
brethren, he had answered that he had an infinite number and that they had a great store
of weapons with thiem and that they were not very far from thence. When they heard
this, many of the chief men consulted together and resolved to kill him that he might not
give news unto these brethren where they dwelt and that for this cause they slew Mm and
cut him into many pieces, which were divided among all the chief Lords that they might
know assuredly that he was dead, and also that he had a dog, like mine, which they likewise
killed a great while afterward."
The following is quoted from another edition of Hackluyt's discoveries, which says:
''And going on our way in a day's journey of Geuola we met two other Indians of those
which went with Stephen, which were bloody and wounded in many places, and soon as
they came to us, they which were with me began to make great lamentation. These wounded
Tndians I asked for Stephen and they all a^eed in all points with the first Indians, saying
that after they had put him into the aforesyd great house without giving him meat or drink
all that day and all night, they took from Stephen all the things wluch he carried with
him. The next day when the sun was a lance high, Stephen went out of the house and
8ome of the chief men with him and suddenly came a score of people from the citie. "Wlhom,
as soon as he saw, he began to run away and we likewise, and forthwith they shot at us
and wounded us, and so we lay till night and durst not stirre and we heard great rumors
in the citie and saw many men and women keep watch and ward upon the walls thereof
and after this we could not see Stephen any more and we think they have shot him to
death as they have done all the rest which went with him, so that none escaped but we
only."
It gives the writer great pleasure to quote the following from the Negro Year Book
by the Hon. Monroe N. Work, in which he says in regard to Estevancio: ''A number of
Negro slaves were in the expedition of Panfilo de Narvaes to conquer the Floridas. Among
them was Estevancio***This expedition was unsuccessful. Estevancio (Little Steve), a
Negro, was a member of this expedition***In 1538 he led an expedition from Mexico in
search of the fabled 'Seven Cities of Cibolia' and discovered Arizona and New Mexico.
He was killed at Cibolia in what is now New Mexico. He was the first member of an alien
race to visit the North Mexican pueblos. After a lapse of three and a half centuries the
tradition of the killing of Estevancio still Ungers in a Zuni Indian Legend which, among
other things, Bajs: 'It is to be/ believed that a long time ago when the roofs lay over
the walls of Kya-Ki-Me, when smoke hung over the housetops, Mexicans came from their
abodes in Everlasting Summerland. These Indians So-No-Li, set up a great howl and thus
they and our ancients did much ill to one another. Then and thus was killed by our
ancients right where the stone stands down by the arroyo of Kya-Ki-Me, one of the Black
Mexicans, a large man with chili lips, (lips swelled from eating Chili pepper).' "
The Honorable Monroe Works is the director of research work at the Tuskegee Insti-
tute, which was founded by the late Hon. Booker T. Washington, and is not only an author
of note, but is thoroughly reliable.
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CHAPTER III
End op the Spanish Rule in Caufornia
To give the reader a clear understanding of conditions prior to the coming of the
Franciscan Missionaries and afterward the occupation hj the American Qovemment of
CaHf oraia, would require considerable time. Hence in an effort to give the facts in a short
chapter the writer is quoting from a paper by Mr. John T. Doyle in which he gives an
accurate history of the "Pious Fund of the California Missions," which really is a short
history of the "Spanish rule" up to the time of the occupation of the territory by the
Americans.
In this paper the writer says: "From the time of the discovery of California, in
1534, by the e]q>edition fitted out by Cortex, the colonization of that country and the con-
version of its inhabitants to the Catholic Faith was a cherished object with the Spanish
Monarchs. Many expeditions for the purpose were set on foot at the expense of the Chrown
during the century and a half succeeding the discovery, but, though attended with enor-
mous expense, none of them were productive of the slightest good results. Down to the
year 1697 the Spanish Monarch had failed to acquire any permanent foothold in the vast
territory which they claimed under the name of California.
' ' The success of the Jesuit Fathers in the Mission on the northwest frontier of Mexico
and elsewhere induced the Spanish Qovemment, as early as 1645, (on the occasion of fitting
out an expedition for California under Admiral Pedro Portal de Casanti), to invite that
religious order to take charge of the spiritual ministration of it and the country for which
it was destined, and they accepted the charge. But that expedition failed like all its prede-
cessors.
"The last expedition undertaken by the Crown was equipped in pursuance of a Boyal
Cedula of December 29th, 1679. It was confided to the command of Admiral Isidro (Hondo,
and the spiritual administration of the country was again entrusted to the Jesuits, the
celebrated Father Kino being appointed Cosmograph Mayor of the expedition which sailed
on the 18th of March, 1683.***Muiy precautions luid be^ taken to ensure its success, but,
after three years of ineffectual effort and expenditure of over $225,000, it was also aban-
doned as a failure, and at a junta general assembled in the City of Mexico, under the
auspices of the Viceroy, when the whole subject was carefully reviewed, it was determined
that the reduction of California by the means heretofore relied upon was a simple impos-
sibility, and tiiat the only mode of occupying it was to invite the Jesuits to undertake its
whole charge at the expense of the Crown.***It was declined by the society.***Individual
members of the society, however, animated by a zeal for the spread of the Christian Faith
in California, proposed to undertake the whole charge of the conversion of the country and
its reduction to (Thristianity and civilization and without expense to the Crown, on condi-
tion that they might themselves select the civil and military officers to be employed.***
This plan was finally agreed to and on the fifth of February, 1697, the necessary authority
was conferred on Father Juan Maria Salvatierra and Father Francisco Eusebro Kino to
undertake the reduction of California on the express conditions: First, that possession of
the country was to be taken in the name of the Spanish Crown, and second, that the Boyal
Treasury was not to be called on for any of the expense of the enterprise. ' '
This paper then at length tells how that Father Kino and Salvatierra, realizing that
they would need money to carry on the enterprise, raised through private subscription and
religious societies a fund to conduct the work of advancing Christianity according to the
faitii of the Catholic Church by establishing Missions, preaching, teaching and adminis-
tering the sacraments of the Church. The funds collected were placed in a trust fund,
and tiien invested at a safe rate of interest, the income to be u^ for the purpose for
which it was collected. This fund was ^ven the name of "The Pious Fund of the Mis-
sions of Calif omia." The paper then gives the names of the first and subsequent donors
to the fund, and the Missions established in Lower California through the income derived
from the Pious Fund.
The paper further states: "The Pious Fund continued to be managed bv the Jesuits
and its income applied according to the will of its founders, and the Misnons of Cali-
fornia remained under their charge down to 1768, in which year they were expelled from
Mexico in pursuance of the order of the Crown or pragmatic sanction of February 27,
1767. The Missions of California were directed by the Viceroy to be placed in charge of
the Franciscan Order. Subsequently a Boyal Cedula April 8, 1770, was issued directing
that one-half of their Missions should be confided to the Domii^jN^^|^ni^^Jl|^^]^rauance
OF CALIFORNIA 27
of whieh and a Goncordate of April 7, 1772, between the authorities of the two orders
flanetioned by the Yiceroj, the Missions of Lower California were confided to the Domin-
icans and those of Upper Oalifomia to the Franciscans.
MThe income and product of the Pious Fund were hereafter applied to the Missions
of both orders. The Church, when first established in Upper California, was purely mis-
sionary in its character. It first dates from 1769, in July of which year Fr. Junipero
Berra, a Franciscan Friar, and his companions reached the port of San Diego overUind
from the frontier Missions of Lower California and then founded the first Christian Mission
and the first settlement of civilized men within the territory comprising what is now the
State of California. The Missions were designed so that, when the population should be
soiBeiently instructed, to be converted into parish churches and maintained as such, as had
already been done in other parts of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
"But in the meantime and while the necessary missionary character continued, they
were under the ecclesiastical government of a President of the Mission. Fr. Junipero
Serra was the first who occupied that of9.ce and the Missions were governed and directed
by him and his successors as such down to the year 1836, when the authority of this office
was superseded by the appointment of a bishopric or diocese. Francis Garcia Diego, the
last Pi^dent of the Missions, was the first bishop of the new diocese of Upper California.
"The text of the decree of pragmatic sanction expelling the Jesuits from the Spanish
domain is very brief. Under this provision the Crown took all the estate of the order into
its possession, including those of the Pious Fund, but later constituting a trust estate,***
charged with this trust. This was fully recognized by the Crown, and the property of the
Pious Fund, so held in trust, was afterward managed in its name by officers appointed
for the purpose, called a Junta Directive.
"This income and product continued to be devoted through the instrumentality of
the ecclesiastical authorities to the religious uses for which they were dedicated by the
donors.* •*0n the declaration of Mexican Independence, Mexico succeeded to the Crown
of Spain as trustee of the Pious Fund, and it continued to be managed and its income
applied as before down to September 19, 1836, when the condition of the Church and the
Missions established in California seemed to render desirable the erection of the country
into a diocese or bishopric for its government.***
^"The two Calif ornias. Upper and Lower, were erected by His Holiness, Pope Gregory
XVI into a diocese and i^ncis Garcia Diego, who until that time had been President of
the Missions of Upper California, was made bishop of the newly constituted See. As
such he became entitled to the administration, management and investment of the Pious
Fund as a trust.
•••"On February 8, 1840, so much of the law of September 19, 1836, as confided the
management and investment of the fund to the bishop was abrogated by a decree of Santa
Ana, the President of the Republic, and the trust was again devolved on the State, but
that decree did not purport in any way to impair or alter the rights of the trust. On the
contrary, it merely devolved on ibe Government the investment and money of the Pious
Fund.***On October 24, 1842, another decree was made by the same President,*** direct-
ing that the property belonging to the Pious Fund should be sold for the sum represented
by its income capitalized on the basis of 6% per annum,*** and that the proceeds of the
sale as well as the cash investment of the funds should be paid into the public treasury
and recognized as an obligation on the part of the Gk>vemment to pay annually thereof
thenceforth. ' '
The reader has learned from the quotation of extracts from the paper by Mr. Doyle
that the missionary fathers financed their own establishment of the California Missions,
through the income derived from the Pious Fund. This paper fully stated the banishment
from Mexico of the Jesuit Order of missionaries. The reason for allowing the Franciscan
Order to do such wonderful work in laying the foundation for civilizing the Califomians
is explained by Father Engelhardt, who says: "When the royal decree expelling the
Jesuits from New Spain had been executed. Viceroy de Croix and Inspector General Jose
de Galvez resolved to place the California Missions in charge of the Franciscan Mission
College of San Fernando, in the City of Mexico.* **There were still some Jesuit Friars in
the Missions of Lower California. The Crown sent Captain (Caspar de Portolo, a Cas-
tilian^ to execute the Boyal decree in California. He was at the same time made Gov-
ernor of the Peninsula of California. Don Gaspar de Portolo sailed from Spain with
fifty soldiers and fourteen Franciscans."
Seven years previous there also had sailed from "Spain August 28, 1749, Fr. Juni-
pero Serra, a Franciscan, and Francisco Palou, who came to the College of San Fernando,
in Mexico City, arriving in January, 1750.'' These two Friars were anxious to Christian-
ize the heathen in CaUf omia.
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28 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Fr. Serra immediately engaged in missionary work in Mexico. After Portolo had
seen to the retom to Spain of all the Jesuit Friars in Lower GaUfomia, by rirtue of his
office or appointment as Governor of the Peninsula of California, he and his soldiers
formed the military part of the expedition of the conquest to eiyilize and Christianize
Upper California. It was necessary to have the Holy Fathers accompanied by a military
escort for their protection, and because, in an effort to secure the country for the Crown
of Castile, the government requested that every expedition should be accompanied by a
military eecort.
The college at San Fernando, Mexico City, selected to head the religious part of the
expedition Friar Junipero Serra, who at the time of the selection was in the interior of
Mexico engaged in his missionary labors among the Indians, and hence was not consulted
as to his wishes in the selection. When he arrived in Mexico City and was told about the
selection, he was very happy, saying that all his life he had wanted to go to California —
to save souls for the glory of Christ, our Lord. There could not have been a better selec-
tion made for the office of President of the missionary part of the expedition. He was a
strong character and had unshakeable faith in €K>d and his blessing on his work of saving
souls in California.
During his nine years of missionary work in Mexico, at the very beginning of his
duties, he was shot in one leg and it never healed. While making the trip overland to
San Diego he suffered great pain and Portolo desired a litter made that they might carry
him. "hereupon he replied: '*Do not speak of this dear sir: for I trust in God. He
must give me strength to reach San Diego, as he has granted me so far, and, in case that
it is impossible, I conform myself to his Holy Will, but though I die on the road, I will
not go back. They may bury me and I shall gladly rest among the pagans if it be the
will of God."
Inspector Jose de Galvez gave the Friars orders to establish Missions in honor of cer-
tain saints. They were to first find the porta named in honor of these saints. When Juni-
pero Serra asked if they were not to establish a Mission in honor of Saint Francis, Galvez
replied: ''If Saint Francis wants a Mission, let him cause his port to be discovered."
After the establishing of a Mission at San Diego, Don Gaspar de Portolo and his
soldiers decided to go on up the coast by land and locate the Bay of Monterey. It had
been recorded that Ascension had said Mass in Monterey under a tree in 1602. The expe-
dition decided to divide; part remaining with the President, Father Junipero Serra, at
San Diego, until the arrival of the ship that was to follow with supplies from Mexico City.
The ships named in the expedition were the San Antonio and the San Carlos.
Portolo and his party were gone a long time. A number of the party died from
scurvy, and they were unable to locate the Bay of Monterey. In an effort to do so they
proceeded to walk on up and through the valley of Santa Clara and over to where ''they
viewed from the Berkeley Hills the most beautiful, large, land-locked bay they had ever
seen." Even so they were discouraged because this bay did not correspond to the descrip-
tion given them of the Bay of Monterey. Sick at heart, discouraged and disappointed
they decided to return to San Diego, which meant another long walk, but they finally
reached there and were welcomed by President Father Junipero Serra and the remaining
members of the expedition.
Junipero Serra and his band also were discouraged, because the ship that was to bring
the supplies was months over-due, and there had not been any conversions among the
Indians. Bations were getting short and they had told Serra that they would like to
return to Mexico and abandon California as a hopeless place. Portolo and his party were
hurrying as best they could to reach San Diego. Not wishing to hastily decide the best
course to pursue, the President, Father Junipero Serra, ordered a Novena said to deter-
mine the problem. He had much faith in God and believed that he would save California,
and bless the efforts of the missionary fathers to save California to the glory of God, our
Lord, and the Holy Catholic Church.
A Novena is devoted prayers said for nine consecutive days asking God's blessing
on any thing desired by you or any number of people who may be making the Novena.
The Catholic and Episcopalian churches often have a Novena when they wish a special
blessing from God. The missionaries and other members of the expedition said their
prayers in the Mission, but Junipero Serra was so sincere that he climbed the hill near the
Mission, and alone he poured out his soul in prayer to God to send him guidance. Before
the end of the Novena, Portolo and his part of the expedition returned to San Diego and
told of their trip, and the beautiful large, land-locked bay they had discovered from the
Berkeley Hills. They also added that it could not be the Bay of Monterey because it was
too large. The President Father immediately recognized from their description that they
had discovered the Bay of San Francisco. Its discovery made him more than happy because
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OF CALIFORNIA 29
CMTac had said to Jampero Senra: ''If Saint Francis wants a Mission let him cause his
port to be discovered.''
Portolo was told of the nnsuccessfnl efforts to convert the heathen and that the ship
with the supplies was months overdue. He, too, wanted to return to Mexico City before
they were out of supplies, and could see no reason for longer remaining in California.
He tells Serra that he is an old man and that they will take Mm back by force, whereupon
Jnnipero Serra ran up on to the hill back of the Mission and said: '^Though you all
return, I will remain alone with Qod to save California."
Let the reader for a moment think of Christ in the Garden of Oethsemane and this
saint of the order of Saint Francis climbing the hills of San Diego that he might be alone
to talk and plead with God and finish his Novena. He prayed all day, wrestling as it
were with God to send him help that the expedition would not abandon California, and
that the Missionary Fathers woidd yet win many souls to the glory of God, our Lord. He
bad been sending his petitions to the court of heaven for nine days. The entire party
were packing and making ready to sail back to Mexico with the setting of the sun. Even
80, Serra continued to pray, unheeding their working. The sun was f^t setting, no relief
ship in sight, no baptism, no conversion. The party said that they would sail at the set-
ting of the sun. Portolo ordered the sails unfurled and they began to embark (so his-
torians tell us), but behold, there is nothing impossible with God, and just as the sun was
almost setting over the beautiful Bay of San Diego, just around what is now known as
Point Loma appeared a white sail. In a few moments the full view of the San Antonio
loomed in sight. On the shore there were Monks and the rest of the party unfurling the
sails of the San Carlos and embarking ready to sail at the setting of the sun, abandoning
California, while only one member of the party was willing to trust God to answer his
prayers in his own way and time.
The land party was convinced that they had sighted the San Antonio and ran to tell
Junipero Serra that California was saved. The day before the ship reached port, the first
Christian baptism according to the Holy Catholic Church was performed. Serra did not care
if they did return to either Spain or Mexico. He did not care if they reported their efforts
to the King of Spain or the Buler of Mexico, he had come to California to wage war
against sin under the leadership of a captain who had never lost a battle, the Captain and
King of Glory, Christ our Lord, who heard his prayers. The ship San Antonio was so much
overdue, they supposed the party had all gone to Monterey and did not stop at San Diego.
But, just before she reached Santa Barbara, we are told, she broke a rudder and went
into port to repair it, and while there the natives told them of the land expedition going
south, resulting in the San Antonio reversing her course and returning to San Diego. Juni-
pero Serra 's prayers were answered. Portolo and the expedition did not abandon Cali-
fornia.
Mr. John Steven McGroarty, in the ''Mission Play," and also in his "History of
California," pays a beautiful tribute to the Bay of San Diego, calling it the "Hhrbor
of the sun and the bright shores of glory. ' ' The writer read his description before fully
studying the history of California, but she is convinced, since reading the life of Junipero
Serra by his lifelong friend Palou, and taking into consideration the beauty of the Bay
of San Diego, the answer to the earnest prayers of Serra, resulting in the Missionary
Fathers remaining and not abandoning California, that many tributes have been paid to
this State which at first may seem overdrawn, but afterwards prove fitting.
The San Antonio was sighted off Point Loma in San Diego Bay, returning from
Santa Barbara, while, in sight of the shore, that saint of God, Junipero Serra, was on the
hill talking alone to his MSker, Through the anxious prayers and labor of the President
Father Junipero Serra, Crespi, Palou and the other Franciscan Friars composing the com-
pany of missionaries, we find in a few years the shores of California which, during the
previous hundreds of years had lain a barren waste, dotted with successfully managed Mis-
sions. George Wharton James says of their work in "The old Franciscan Missions" (p.
65) : "Personally, I regard the education given by the Padres as exemplary, even though I
materially differ from them as to some of the things they regarded as rel^^ous essentials,
yet, in honor it must be said that if I, or the church to which I belong, or you, and the
church to which you belong, reader, had been in California in those days, your religious
teachings or mine would have been entitled justly to as much criticism and censure as
have been visited upon the Padres. They did the best they knew how and, as I shall show,
they did most wonderfully well, far better than the enlightened government to which we
belong has ever done."
It was the aim of the Holy Fathers to establish Missions about a day's journey apart
on California's coast, and they established twenty-four Missions to the glory of God, our
Lord, and the Catholic Church. The Padres also taught the Indians how to farm, and do
all kinds of labor intelligently. In a measure they mastered the^m^i^^^^i^^^ were
30 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
also taught music and painting. Specimens of their handiwork can still be seen in the
Santa Barbara Mission, which has never been abandoned or allowed to go to ruin. The
writer once visited it and was surprised to hear the monk who was acting as guide say
that in an effort to teach the Indians music, not being able to make them understand in
any other way, the Padres resorted to painting the notes on the scale different colors. In
explaining the effort to teach them art, he pointed to the ceiling of the Mission, saying
that, even in this day, its decoration after a hundred years would compare favorably with
the art in mural decoration of today, unquestionably showing that the California Indians
were capable of being civilized even if they had been enslaved by the Mexican people for
untold generations.
The greatest thing the Padres taught the Indians was the value of virtue and the
sacred duty of the male to protect the virtue of the female. Judging from the different
reports submitted at the annual meetings of the Friars, the Missions were in a prosperous
condition up to the death of Friar Junipero Serra, and had they been unmolested in the
work they' no doubt would, in a few more years, have taught the Indian the value of becom-
ing self-sustaining and other necessary steps to a true civilization. Friar Engelhardt says:
''The secularization was like taking children from their parents and turning them over
to selfish strangers."
The last Mission was established in 1823, and shortly afterward President Father
Junipero Serra passed to his reward, which was a great loss to the Missions and also to
California.
The Crown appointed Jose Maria de Echeandia as Governor of both the Califomias,
February 1, 1825. He was very indifferent to the Missions and immediately began planning
to secularize them. The plan was adopted by the Mexican Congress on August 17, 1835.
Mexico declared her independence and assumed trusteeship over the Pious Fund, and it
was still managed in the interest of the Missions. Governor Micheltorena, the first Gov-
ernor appointed by Mexico for Upper California, ordered the restoration of all the prop-
erty taken from the Mission Fathers, but the order came too late to benefit the neophytes.
The Missions of the Jesuits passed from their control to the Franciscan Order in
1767, which was about a hundred years from the discovery of San Diego and California.
During this period there were many ships sailing the Pacific Ocean and touching Califor-
nia 's coast. Some were explorers; others were pirate ships, but the greater number were
ships sent out by Russia to procure fur.
In early days this coast was rich in fur-bearing animals, such as seal and otter. The
news reached Spain in regard to the Russian adventure on the Pacific Coast. The Spanish
Crown was anxious to discover the Northwest Passage to the Indies, which they supposed
led through the Straits of Anin, and which, if discovered, would open another avenue of
trade whereby their ships could extend the possessions of the Crown of Castile. In view
of this fact, the Crown of Castilei fitted out expedition after expedition, in an effort to
establish a claim to the country. The historian H. H. Bancroft says: **For sixty years
or since Sebastian Viscano, in 1602, as much had been known of the country as now, the
general trend and appearance of the coast, the fertility of the country was known, also
the general description of the ports of San Diego, Monterey and under Point Reys called
San Francisco, with a tolerable accurate knowledge of Santa Barbara Channel and Islands.
Thus it was no new information about the country that prompted the California Conquest. ' *
Note Columbus^ words: "None can enter but by the will of God."
Califomia was not civilized until the Church was given comparatively unlimited and
practically unmolested authority to civilize and Christianize by establishing MlBsions. Then
the military part of the expedition completed the plans for the execution of the civilization
and for holding the country for the Spanish Crown. Presidios established then are still
in use, namely, San Diego, Monterey and San Francisco.
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CHAPTER IV
Bear Flag Party
During this unsettled period in California's early government by Mexico, the United
States government sent out an expedition under Captain John C. Fremont, topographical
engineer, to survey the interior of the continent and the Pacific Coast. This expedition
left Washington City under orders of Col. J. J. Albert, Chief of the Topographical Bu-
reau. In Captain Fremont's narrative he speaks of his party, which was composed of
about thirty-nine persons, consisting of Creole, Canadian, French and American, leaving
for the West in the early spring of 1843. Captain Fremont spent several years in survey-
ing the interior of the continent and California, also Oregon. He afterward returned to
Washington City and both wrote and talked in glowing terms of California. He had sev-
eral talks with his father-in-law. Senator Benton, and they arranged a set of secret codes
with which Senator Benton promised to send secret messages to ^ptain Fremont when he
returned to California.
Senator Benton saw a possibility for his son-in-law to distinguish himself as a United
States army officer in California, if he could in some way seize the Territory of California,
in the interest of the United States (Government. The United States Government was
supposed to be then preparing to go to war with Mexico in regard to the boundary which
involved the territory of Texas, .^^izona and New Mexico. Senator Benton decided that
in the event of war, he would let Captain Fremont know when the time was right to act
by sending a secret message which would be perfectly plain to him through the pre-
arranged set of codes.
The year previous to Captain Fremont's first visit to the Pacific Coast, a United States
navy officer, Thomas Catesby Jones, seized the port of Monterey, California, and raised
the Stars and Stripes. But on the following day, finding that war had not been declared
by the United States Government, immediately lowered "Old Glory" and hastily paid a
visit to Governor Micheltoreija, who was located in Los Angeles. . This United States officer
offered the Mexican Governor an apology.
The country on the other side of the Bocky Mountains was full of rumors of the
approaching war with Mexico, and the possibilities of the United States Government owning
California. Boyce says: ''As the reader will know from the foregoing, our hearts were
set upon California as the one prize that made the Mexican war worth fighting. The Bay
of San Francisco, the future commerce of the Pacific, the fair and sunny land beyond the
Sierras, the full and even boundary westward, the possible new field ^or the extension of
slavery; such matters were powerful with some or all of our leaders. The hasty seizure
of Monterey in 1842, although disavowed by our government, was a betrayal of our
national feelings to say the least, if not of our national plans, which no apology could
withdraw from plain history. Meanwhile with more or less good foundation we had strong
fears of both England and France as dangerous rivals in the acquisition of the western
land."
Boyce then cites the disorganized condition of the Mexican rule in California and to
prove his statements of the United States' intentions in regard to California he has drawn
his evidence from the correspondence of the Department of State with Council Thomas O.
Larkin, who at the time was located in Monterey, California. Professor Boyce then tells
of plans that the government of the United States would try to use in acquiring peace-
fully the Territory of California. He says: "To wait untU war had been forced upon
Mexico and actuaUy begun and thereupon to sei^ the Department of California as an act
of war, to undertake with semi-official support of some sort the colonization of the country
by an unnatural rapid inunigration of Ajnericans into it, and to take advantage of the
strained relations already existing between CaHfomians and the mother country, and by
means of intrigue, to get the land through the acts of its own native inhabitants."
It was under such exciting rumors that Captain Fremont returned to California with
another surveying expedition and after completing his surveying he continued to linger in
California. "He marched his little band of thirty-nine souls as far north as Sutter's
Forty when he left them and personally returned to Monterey to ask permission from (jren-
eral Castro to spend the winter in the valley of the San Joaquin. ' ' The news soon reached
General Castro that Captain Fremont and his men were in the valley of the Salinas. They
had already stayed on California's soil longer than they could give a satisfactory excuse
for doing, and as the Mexican rule was still in force in California, acting upon his author-
ity, "(General Castro ordered all Americans to leave California." He was then having
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32 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
trouble enough with his own countrymen. General Pio Pico wanted to be ruler and bo did
General Oastro. A former ruler, General Mariana Vallejo, withdrew from the quarrel,
believing that sooner or later the Americans would take possession of the country and that
it would be the best for everyone if they did.
Captain Fremont insisted upon wintering in the Salinas Valley with his men, and when
told to move, raised the Stars and Stripes and invited anyone to dare lower them. Finding
that the Mexican (General did not attempt to molest the Stars and Stripes, he then pro-
ceeded to march his expedition, slowly northward, passing Sutter's Fort and reached the
Oregon boundary on the banks of Klamath Lake, when a messenger overtook him telling
him that Lieutenant Archibald Gillespy was riding post haste to overtake Captain Fre-
mont, and that he carried important messages from the United States Government for Cap-
tain Fremont. It seems that Senator Benton, learning that both the English and the
French were planning to seise California, decided to send a secret message to Captain
Fremont telling him to seize the territory in the name of the United States Government.
There being neither a rapid mail service nor telegraphic communication between Wash-
ington City and California, the opportunity presented itself to Senator Benton when the
United States Government selected Lieutenant Gillespy to go to California with important
messages to Consul Thomas O. Larkin, who was then stationed at Monterey, California.
Professor Boyce, who had personal talks with Captain Fremont in after years, says
that "Gillespy had left "Wb-shington City with a secret dispatch early in November, 1845,
and met Fremont May, 1846. But the really important official part of his mission, namely,
his secret dispatch, had been committed to memory by the Lieutenant and destroyed before
he landed in Mexico. In California he repeated its contents to Captain Fremont, who was
a United States army officer engagied in offixual duty in California."
Upon the receipt of this secret code letter. Captain Fremont and his expedition
returned to California and to Sutter's Fort. In the meantime the news reached General
Castro of Lieutenant Gillespy 's ride in quest of Captain Fremont with important dis-
patches from the United States €k)vemment. General Castro could not understand the
motives of either Captain Fremont and his soldiers again coming on California's soil and
this visit of Lieutenant Gillespy. He ordered all j^ericans to leave California imme-
diately. Unfortunately about this time General Pio Pico had declared himself ruler of
Califomia, and General Castro was gathering his forces to go to the southern part of the
territory to battle with Pico. All was excitement among the Spaniards and also the
American settlers. Neither understood the motives of the other.
Upon the return of Captain Fremont and his men to Sutter's Fort the American set-
tlers went to lum to talk over the numerous proclamations issued by the Mexican ruler.
General Castro. Whereupon Captain Fremont told them that he could not start a revolt
without receiving permission from his home government in Washington, D. C, but that if
they got into trouble with the natives of California, he could come to their assistance.
The Califomians were rounding up horsed for General Castro to use in his campaign in
Los Angeles against Pio Pico. These horses were seized by "Lieutenant Arce and a Mr.
Merritt, and sent to Captain Fremont. The men with the horses were told to carry the
news to General Castro. The Americans then proceeded to Sonoma, California, where they
made prisoners of General Vallejo and his brother Salvador and a Mr. Ijeese, also Mr.
Pruden" — (Royce). They were not organized, but after some parley they selected Dr.
Semple and William Ide and then formed or drafted a constitution of the Republic of
Califomia. Afterward they decided that they needed a flag. Space will not permit giving
the constitution of this Independent Califomia Republic. It was one that they need not
be ashamed of and neither should any loyal Calif omian of today; in fact, it has the ring
of independence and justice so characteristic of the Native Sons and Daughters of the
Golden West.
But this chapter would not be complete were the writer to fail to give a description
of the Bear Flag. The following is quoted from Hon. John Steven McGroarty's '* Cali-
fornia, Its History and Romance" (page 195), which says that "As there has been con-
siderable controversy and dispute concerning this flag, it is obviously proper to give the
statement of the man who made the flag. It is he, if any one, who ought to know all
about it. Mr. Todd published in June, 1872, the following: 'At a company meeting it
was determined that we should raise a flag; and it should be a bear enpassant with one
star. One of the ladies at the garrison gave us a piece of brown domestic and Mrs. Cap- -
tain Sears gave us some strips of red flannel about four inches wide. The domestic was
new, but the flannel was said to have been part of a petticoat worn by Mrs. Sears across
the mountains. For corroboration of these f^cts, I refer to G. P. Swift and Pat Mc-
Christian. I took a pen and with ink drew the outlines of a bear, and a star upon the
white cotton cloth. Linseed oil and Venetian red were found in the garrison and I painted
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OP CALIFORNIA 33
the bear and the star. To the best of my reeoUeetioiiy Peter Storm was asked to paint it
but declined, and as no other person Would undertake to do it, I did it. But Mr. Storm
and several others assisted in getting the material and I be^eve mixed the paint. Under-
neath the bear and star were printed with a pen the words "California Republic" in
Boman letters. In painting the words I first outlined the letters with a pen, leaving out
the letter i and putting c where i should have been and afterward the' i over the c. It
was made with ink and as we had nothing to remove the marks of the letters it is now
on the flag.' ** It is the writer's delight to state that a colored man secured the paint
with which the bear was painted.
In speaking of the Bear Flag in the history of the Negro in California, the question
will occur to the reader, were there any colored people in the party! Yes, there were sev-
eral, and the following is a record of them: First, the writer has found in the account of
the expedition of Brevet Captain Fremont, topographical engineer, who, in writing the
narrative of his expedition in the early spring of 1843 (page 123-4) speaks of the per-
sonnel of the party, which was composed of Creole, Canadian, French and American. He
then givee the namee of the different men in the party, and at the end of the list the fol-
lowing appears: "Jacob Dodson, a free colored man of Washington, D. C, volunteered
to accompany the expedition and performed his duties manfully through the voyage."
Bancroft, in his history of California, speaks of Jacob Dodson among the twenty-five per-
sons selected by Captain Fremont to accompany him in the discovery of Klamath Lake,
and he was also with Fremont on his famous ride from Los Angeles to Monterey.
Through the courtesy of Miss Ward, of San Jose, the writer has learned of another
colored man who was with Captain Fremont on his trip to California, by name James Buff,
of Mariposa county, California, the lady's former home. Judging from the picture shown
the writer, he was one with only a dash of Negro blood. He recently died at the advanced
age of ninety-three years. Lieutenant Gillespy had a bodyguard or servant with him, a
colored man known as "Ben." The writer's authority for stating that these colored men
were in the Bear Flag Party is established by the following quotation from the Western
Outlook of San Francisco, October 7, 1914: ** Recalling memories of 'Forty-nine' John
Grider, the only survivor of the Bear Flag Party, rode in solitary state in an automobile,
a vehicle his wildest imagination never pictured in the strenuous da3r8 of California's fight
for membership into the Union. Those who read this item in the daily papers about the
Admission Day parade in Vallejo did not know that the pioneer was a colored man. From
a letter from Mr. George Van Blake, of Vallejo, we learn that Mr. Grider was treated roy-
aUy and accorded every honor pertaining to the hospitality of the city." After reading the
above the writer hastened to visit Vallejo and have a talk with the gentleman. He was
highly interesting and, although he came to California in 1841, the facts in regard to the
B^r Flag Party were as fresh in his mind as if of recent date. When questioned/ con-
cerning the forming of the Bear Flag Party he replied: **Yes, it was formed in Sonoma
City, but it did not amount to much," also adding that he found the paint in the loft of
an old bam nearby. This paint was used to paint the bear and star on the flag. He was
then asked if there were any other colored men in the Bear Flag Party. The writer gave
the names of the colored men with Captain Fremont already mentioned, whereupon Mr.
(Jrider replied that they were all present in the forming of the Bear Flag and that I
might add the names of Joe McAfee, Charles G. Gains and Billy Gaston.
While in Vallejo the writer interviewed Dr. Vallejo, the son of the late General
Marianna Vallejo. After stating her mis^on, the writer asked the doctor if he could tell
her an3rthing concerning the Bear Flag Party. He replied that he was a mere lad, but
that he remembered when the men came to his father's house in the early morning hours
demanding a surrender. His father was so friendly with the Americans that he had with-
drawn from the quarrel between Generals Pico and Castro, and had retired to his home at
Sonoma as a private citizen, believing that sooner or later the Americans would take pos-
session of CaUfomia, and feeling tluit it would be a good thing for all concerned. His
friendliness was so well known that when this band of Americans came to his house de-
manding a surrender, he invited them in and, according to Spanish hospitality, ordered
breakfast for them, and while drinking a friendly glass of wine, they talked over the
terms of peace. As well as he could remember his father's object in talking over terms
of surrender was, that he wished to protect his own interest with the Americans, and also
keep friends with the Spaniards, since he was a wealthy man. Dr. Vallejo stated that
after the Bear Flag Party had partaken of his father's hospitality they ordered his arrest.
Some of the party insisted that he was a friend to the Americans, the leader then said:
' ' Take him to Sutter 's Fort that he may not chance his mind. ' ' The party then ransacked
the home of General Vallejo, and when they we^ leaving with a gun of his father's, an
heirloom brought from Spain, his brother, whyVas older than the P^J'9^ ^^j^^^f^ *
34 THE NBGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
mere Ud, interfered saying: ''The one who proves the best shot can have the gun." The
challenge was accepted and the lad took toms shooting at a target. The hoy proved the
best shot, and the gnn remained in the YaDejo fandly. Doctor YaDejo then caBed a ser-
vant and had the gnn brought to him and the writer had the pleasure of closely eramining
it. The gun was inlaid with a beautiful scroll of silver.
Doctor Yallejo then spoke of his father's rule in Calif omiay showing the writer a
report sent to the home government by General Hgueroay in which he spoke in the highest
terms of General Marianna Yallejo 's rule in Calif omia. The home government was so
delighted over the report sent concerning this ruler in California they had the report printed
in a pamphlet form and forwarded a copy to General Marianna Yallejo. After his death
the report fell to Doctor Yallejo, together with other valuable books and papers. A num-
ber of these books were shown the writer. The Yallejo famOy had one priest who was a
great historian. One of whose books had been published in Spain.
Bancroft in his Pioneer Index has the following to say of Marianna Yallejo: ''From
1S35 he was the most independent and in some respects the most powerful man in Cali-
fomia***The year '36 brought new advancanent, for though Lieutenant Yallejo took no
active part in the Bevolution, yet after the first success had been achieved such was the
weight of his name that under Alvarado's new government he was made Commander Gen-
eral of California, taking of&ce on November 29, and was advanced to the rank of Colonel
by the California authorities. In the sectional strife of 37-9, althou^ not personally
taking part in military operations, he had more influence than any other man in sustaining
Alvarado***I have found none among the Calif omians whose public record in respect of
honorable and patriotic conduct, executive ability, and freedom from petty prejudices of
race, religion or sectional politics is more favorable than his. As a citizen, he was always
generous, and kindhearted, maintaining his self-respect as a gentleman and commanding
respect of others; never a gambler or addicted to strong drink. He is a man of some
literary cultivation and has always taken a deep interest in his country's history. Many
of his writings are named in my list of authorities. His service to me in this connection
has been often and most gladly acknowledged. His collection of Documentary History
of California is a contribution of original data that has never been equaled in this or any
other State."
Historian Bancroft personally knew General Yallejo. The Spanish people in that
period of California's history were constantly being misunderstood, which can be explained
because the life of any nation or race is not an easy one when another nation invades their
shores, whether for conquest or peaceful pursuits; if they come in large numbers, they
cannot learn the customs and language of the resident in a short time, neither can the
natives learn or grasp the meaning of their presence or understand the language readily,
hence both sides suffer. The reader can perhaps more fully understand the position in
which the California Spaniards were placed if they will read the "Boee of the Baneho,"
which has also been dramatized. This book shows the difficulty and disadvantage in which
the Spanish people were placed by not being able to understand the American language
and laws. It also shows how unscrupulous men, bent on taking advantage of their igno-
rance in such matters, robbed the California Spaniards of vast tracts of land in pioneer
days in California.
General Yallejo should be highly commended because of his attitude toward the Negro
in the constitutional convention of 1849. As a member of that body he voted against
every amendment put before that body that was intended to bar from the State the admis-
sion of Free Negroes. He always voted for the best interest of the Negro while a mem-
ber of the ilrst California Legislature. He was personally acquainted with the immortal
Lincoln, and often visited him in l^shington City and discussed the advisability of freeing
the Negroes, and paying them to build a railroad from Mexico City to Washington City.
His last visit to I^resident Lincoln was after entering his son, who is now Doctor Yallejo,
in Columbia College. Before his return to California he stopped to visit and entreat the
President to set the Negroes free. The President replied to him, so the son told the
writer: "Well, suppose, Mr. Yallejo, I did set the Negroes free and send them to Mexico
to build a railroad to Washington City, I have been toM that Mexico is not a very healthy
place for white people, and tiie Negroes would have to be accompanied by white people
to teach them how to buUd a railroad." After listening to the President's remaps Gen-
eral Yallejo replied: "W\ell, Mr. President, suppose a few Yankees did die and go below;
they always change things so wherever they go, that by the time you and I arrive thej wiU
be serving ice cream on marble top tables."
Dr. Yallejo told the writer that the freedom of the Negroes had been a familiar sub-
ject at their fireside; when the War of the Bebellion started he enlisted in the hospital
MTtm After the close of the war he returned to college and graduated as valedictorian
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of bis elMi, and is proud of haying served in the Union Army. In Bose MeKedde Wood's
book, "Tourist CaUfomia/' is given an aeconnt of the large tract of land Vallejo gave
to tbe United States Oovemment in California.
Betoming to the Bear Flag Partj and Captain Fremont, it has been proven that he
was not present at the lannehing into history of that memorable party, but that he came
afterward and ehdmed the Territory of California in the interest of the United States
Qoveimment for fear the English would seise the territory. His fears were well sustained
by future events. A few months afterward Commodore Sloate raised the Stars and Stripes
at Monterey, claiming the Territory in the name of the United States Government. He
afterward told how an English vessel raced him up the coast from Mexico, but Commo-
dore Sloate 'a boat being the faster, he reached Monterey first and the Stars and Stripes
were waving over the land when the Englishmen landed. Mrs. Nuttall has just published
a book covering years of research work in which she tells that Sir Francis Drake had
sailed up the Padfic Coast and had drawn a map of all the harbors of the western coast
in the interest of the English Crown.
Senator Benton had inspired Captain Fremont, but the task was too great to be suc-
cessful in any other way than the right way, the way that Commodore Sloate used by rais-
ing the Stars and StrifNBS, the emblem of a government able to sustain its position on any
coast in any land. If the revolters at Sonoma had raised the American Flag instead of
the Bear Flag, they would have registered their names among the immortals of America,
but what they did, while noble and perhaps inspiring to those then in California, still the
United States Government never recognised the Bear Flag Party.
Father Zephelian Engelhardt, of Santa Barbara Franciscan Mission, in delivering an
address before the American Historian Society at their annual meeting in Berkeley, 1915,
among other things said: "Bishop Nichols remarked after the fire of 1906, that there
should be erected a statue of Saint Francis at the Golden Gate, the same as the entrance
to New York Harbor, and to act as a beacon light representing 'Union with God.' The
Franciscan missionaries came to California to i>ossesB nothing, but to convert the Indians,
and had the American Flag been raised in California fifteen years before it was it would
have been the best for all concerned."
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CHAPTER V
Landing op Commodore John D. Sloate-^Constitutional
Convention, 1849
The Bear Flag Party was formed in May, 1846, and in Julj, 1846, Commodore John
D. Sloate entered the harbor of Monterey on the United States frigate Savanna, and bj his
orders on July 7th, 1846, the Stars and the Stripes were raised over the castom-house at
Monterey, California, in the name of the United States (Government.
The Congress of the United States in 1847 appropriated three miUion dollars for the
purchase of Califomia^ and the Treaty of Peace was signed in 1848, when California was
annexed to the United States. Commodore John D. Sloate, after raising the flag at Monte-
rey, immediately ordered Captain Montgomery to raise it in San Franeiseo. He never rec-
ognized the Bear Flag Part7, and neither did the United States (Government.
The United States Government having purchased California from Mexico, the Mexican
rule in California was at an end, and it was expected that the United States Oovemment
would soon send the citizens of California a territorial form of government. In 1848 gold
was discovered and the news soon spread to the East. Brevet Mason, then Ck>mmander of
the Department of the Pacific, finding men deserting the army to go to the mines, decided
to investigate conditions. He visited the mines in company with Lieutenant W. T. Sher-
man and others, and sent a report to his government. His report as to conditions was so
clear, giving the amount of gold procured by the miners, that after the report was read
before the Congress of the United States it was published through the entire civilized
world. As a result men were coming by the thousands to California during the early part
and after 1849. The trip was difficult, long and full of dangers, but it did not matter,
for at the end Of the traU was the Eldorado, or the land of gold and plenty. As a result
of this great influx of people the Alcaldes found it difficult to control the situation. The
people were anxious and needed a stable form of government.
In regard to California at the period following the report of Brevet Gk>vemor Mason,
Bev. Willey, who at the time was a resident and active in the affairs of California, has
said in his book, "Transition Period in California," (p. 77): "(Governor Mason made
known to the people of California that the Mexican rule having come to an end, he be-
lieved that the didl government was now on the way to this country to replace that which
had been organized under the right of conquest, but the looked-for government was
waited for in vain."
The question of the admission of slavery in this newly acquired territory divided Con-
gress; they could not agree upon legislation replacing the Mexican rule. The President
of the United States in his message to Congress in July of that year had said that "since
the cession of California to the United States the Mexican rule has no longer any power,
and since the law resulting from our military occupation has come to an end by ratifica-
tion of the treaty of peace, the country is T^dthout any organized government and will be
until Ck>ngress acts."
The Territory of California was added to the United States in 1848 and session after
session of Ck>ngress adjourned without giving to California any form of government. The
large number of people of aU descriptions then coming to California to hunt gold were
not an peaceful, and it has been stated that their actions were lawless because tiiey knew
that there was no law to suppress them. Under the distressing state of affairs Brevet
(Governor Mason asked to be relieved from his post of duty. The United States (Govern-
ment then sent as Ck>mmander of the Pacific, Brevet Biley, Brigadier-(3eneral of the United
States Army, to act as Oovemor of the Territory of California. The newly appointed
(Governor retained as his secretary the former secretary to Oovemor Mason, a will edu-
cated gentleman, who fully understood the situation in California.
Mr. Hallack, as secretary to the (Governor, and at his command as the representative
head of affairs for the United States (Government in California, issued a proclamation
recommending the formation of a State constitution or plan of a Territorial form of
government. The proclamation was issued in June, but the convention did not convene
until September 1, 1849.
FIBST CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION
"In pursuance of (Governor BOey's proclamation of June 1st last, the convention for
the formation of a State constitution for C!alif omia meH in Colton Hall, in the town of
Monterey, at 12:00 M. on Saturday, September 1, 1849. The minutes; prayer by Bev.
Willey: a quorum was not present: on motion of Mr. Hallack the convention met in pur-
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OP CALIFORNIA 37
euanee to adjournment; prayer by Kev. Willey; the minutes of Saturday's meeting were
read and approved; the chairman annonneed the receipt of a communication from the
€k)Temor through the Secretary of State, transmitting the election returns from the various
districts of GaUfomia, together with the names of the delegates elected."
The convention being duly organized, let us see how it dealt with the Negro question
in the formation of its constitution. In the debates in the convention of California, in
the formation of the State constitution, September to October, 1849, by J. Boss Brown,
the following appears: "The 15th Section oil the report of the committee being under
consideration, 'Foreigners who are, or may hereafter become residents of this State, shall
enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession and enjoyment of property as native-
bom citizens.' Mr. Shannon moved to insert as an additional section the following:
^Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, unless for the punishment of crime, shall ever
be tolerated in this State.' Mr. Garver moved to amend the amendment by adcUng thereto
the following: 'Nor shall the introduction of Free Negroes under indenture, or other-
wise, be allowed.' Mr. Hallack moved that a declaration against the introduction of
slavery into California should be inserted in the 'Bill of Rights.' The motion was unan-
imously adopted. Mr. Garver had an amendment which he desired to offer as an addi-
tional section.
** 'Section 19. The Legislature shall at its first session pass such laws as will effect-
ually prohibit Free persons of color from immigrating to and settling in this State, and to
eventually prevent the owners of slaves from bringing them into the State for the purpose
of setting them free.' He deemed this necessary because the house had already xnade
provision prohibiting the introduction of slavery, the object of which he thought would
be defeated by a system already in practice. He had heard of some gentlemen, having
sent to the States for their Negroes to bring them here on condition that they should
serve for a specific length of time. He was informed that many had been liberated with
the understanding after serving a few years they were to be set loose in the community.
He protested against this. ' If the people of this Territory are to be free from the herds
of slaves who are to be set at liberty within its borders.***The slave owners possessed of
a hundred Negroes can well afford to liberate them if afterward they engage to serve
them for three years. What is to support them after thatf Are they to be thrown upon
the conununityf ' "
This address was followed by a lengthy appeal by another member of the Constitu-
tional Convention, a Mr. Wosencraft, who said among other things: "Mr. President, the
capitalist will fill the land with these living labor machines with all their attending evils.
Their labor will go to enrich the few, and impoverish the many.***The Legislature may,
and doubtless will, pass laws effectual in preventing blacks from coming to or being
brought here, but it will be an extended evil even at that date wh^n this constitution goes
forth without a prohibitory clause relating to the blacks."
This address was followed at length by Mr. Jones, who spoke as follows: "I stand
upon the fioor as a representative of a community of California which has a right to be
heard upon the question; a part of California tbkt is determined to carry this provision
into effect. It is a question of immense importance to the mining district of California;
it is to these districts that are threatened; it is not to the South, but it is to these mining
districts where the money is to be made that these persons will go.***The danger is this:
the citizen of the southern States whose slaves are gaining notMng will emancipate them
under certain contracts of servitude. Slaves are worth from $300 to $400 in Mississippi;
it would be a very good speculation to bring them her^ to serve either in the mines or
for a certain time as servants. We know that such is the intentions and it has been
manifested to members of this house by private letters received from the States."
This gentleman was immediately followed by Mr. Snyder: "Let us make a calcula-
tion about the matter for the Yankees are a calculating nation and they are making cal-
culations every day on the other side of the sunny ridge. What is a Negro worth in Mis-
souri t That is, take the average value, say $600; well, what is the dear profit that a
slave holder in Missouri or Kentucky calci:dates to derive from the labor of each able-
bodied man per yeart $160 to $200. Then the slave will yield $200 a year from the time
he is 16 years of age until he is 50 years of age, which will net the owner $6800 up to
the time that he may be considered useless, to say nothing of sickness or death. Then
we can see that if the owner makes $6800 from the labor of each slave he is doing as much
as can be expected in a general way. Now sui>pose that the slave holder will say: 'Mose,
if you win go with me to California, I will give you your freedom, after working there four
years, or I .will give you your freedom now, and have indentures made for the fulfillment
■of this agreement.' Do you suppose, Ur, Prendent, Mose ^oi](1^43it?|J?filj^?f?»f^ffiP^-
38 THE NEGRO TBAIL BLAZERS
Now what would the slaveholder make by the operation in three jearsf A working man
by one year's labor will procure $4000 at least in gold dust, whieh, at the same rate for
four yeaiB, will be $16,000, leaving the handsome sum of $9,200 more by one-half thousand
than what the Negro would have paid by working his whole life in Missouri, and this is
aeeomplished in the short space of four years. Do you suppose that this will not be tried f"
There were a number of gentlemen who delivered lengthy addresses upon the admis-
sion of slavery into the State of California, and while some were intended to excite the
passions against the introduction of slavery, the fear of placing the slave on equal footing
with the miners was just like men of today when, wishing to dose the door in the face of
the Negro laborer, they cry <' social equality," when in truth all the Negro has asked for
or wants is an equal chance to make a living and will seek his social life among his kind.
Hence, men in the Constitutional Convention, in the battle against the admission of slavery
into California, resorted to first inflaming the minds of the members of the convention
by speaking of '^ equality of the races. ''***The Negro slave laborer would be the equal of.
the white miners. They usually ended their addressee in nine cases out of ten as Mr.
Wolzencnift, Jones and Snyder, showing very clearly that the supreme reason they wished
to keep the Negro slave or Free Negroes out of the State of California was because one
of the gentlemen said they would all go to the mines and that "their labor would go to
enrich tito few and impoverish the many." '^om did the speaker refer to idien he said
"enrich the few;" No other than the slaveholder; and in a few years there would be
an aristocracy of capital upon this coast in which the slaveholder would hold the full hand
or balance of power.
« Mr. Snyder's address was very dear on the subject, for he made a calculation, show-
ing how the slaveholder would be willing to take the chance in bringing his slaves here,
because his gain derived from the labor of his slaves in the mines would yield him more
in California in a few years than a whole life of labor of the average slave in the South-
land. He was perfectly right, as the reader will learn in another copter on "Slavery in
California," in which is recorded the lives of slaves who paid for their freedom by work-
ing in the mines in California, paying often thrice the price asked on the other side of
the Bocky Mountains. Nobody paid any especial attention to the Negro until after the
Constitutional Convention. The year previous there was appointed by the government
agent a Negro to prevent illegal otter hunting in the Pacific Ocean, especially along the
CaHfomia coast. The writer refers to Allen B. Light, mentioned in Bancroft's HUitory
of California. This ease is recalled to prove the statement that the color of the skin was
no bar to recognition before the "Constitutional Convention of 1849."
Some of the gentlemen wished to know what was to become of the slaves after they
had been brought to California and had been set free. 'Wlio was to take care of them,
They said that the slaves would corrupt society. The pioneer Negro was neither shiftless
nor immoral at the period of California's history when this convention was debating his
admission either as a Slave or Free Negro. In the chapter treating on the industrial and
moral status of the Negro at that period the reader ^^ leant tliAt the only shoe store,
either retail or wholesale, in the city of San Frandsco was owned by a Negro by the name
of Mifflin Gibbs. The Negroes there had a private school and also a church. The best
miner, either as a mining engineer or metallurgist on this coast, at that period, was Moses
BodgeiB, a colored man who was located at Homdtus, and he also owned a group of mines
at (^artzburg. In after years he had a daughter graduate at the Universily of California
in Berkdey.
Mr. Edwin Booth came to California in the early forties and mined enough gold
before the rush to return to Baltimore and pay for the passage to California of his sis-
ters and two brothers, and also to pay for the education of the widow sister's son, sending
him to Oberlin College, located in Ohio. If the reader will consider the difficulties of
travel at that period and the expense of a trip to California, Mr. Booth's case is a befit-
ting answer to the question as to whether the Negro pioneer was dther shiftless or capable
of taking care of himsdf.
The writer had the pleasure of meeting in Sacramento the surviving brother, Mr.
Elige Booth, a dignified and statdy gentleman with a delightful personality. His mind
was fresh in regard to the history of mining conditions in early Califomia and in regard
to the treatment accorded to colored miners. He said that while the miners had Ikws of
thdr own, a Negro miner was a man even for all that. He redted an instance in which
some miners were attempting to jump his claim and how the white miners immediatdy
\ came to his rescue. The writer has talked with other Negro miners who were in the Cali-
fomia mines during pioneer days who spoke of foir treatment by the white miners, espe-
cially those mining upon Mokdnmn B311.
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39^
CAPT. QUARTER-MASTER
T. NIMROD McKINNEY
Served with U. S. Army in Philippine
Insurrection.
WILLIAM NAUNS RICKS
Spanish -American War Veteran
and Poet.
CAPTAIN FLOYD H. CRUMBLY
Past Department Commander United Spanish War
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i40
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
HON. FREDERICK MADISON ROBERTS
First Negro elected to the California State legislature.
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OF CALIFORNIA 41
The true reason they did not wish either slave or free Negroes in California was
because the question of slavery was then prominent before the public against the exten-
sion of the idave territory, and it was necessary to have a definite clause in their consti-
tution deciding the issue before going before Congress to ask for Statehood for the Terri-
tory of CaHfomia. If the question was not decided in California the probability of
Congress debating the issue or else ignoring their request, would have delayed the
adndssion of the Territory into the Union. The settlers were anxious to secure a speedy
admission and prevent the slaveholders from becoming rich in California's gold through
the importation of, as one speaker said, these ''living labor machines." They were jiut
Hke the dtixen of today liidng in California, when they see some of i the best vineyards
in the State cultivated by a foreign race of people, they legislate to prevent the immigra-
tion of any more of their kind into the State. The question was the same and created the
same kind of an issue.
To prove the writer's statement that no one paid any attention to the Negro miner in
California until after the Constitutional Convention, the following is quoted firom Charles
Shinn who, in his book on ''Mining Camps," presents in an impartial way a study in
American frontier government. He is considered an authority on the subject as tiliere
were a number of Negro miners at the time working at Placerville, Grass Valley, Negro
Bar and Mokelumn Hill, his statements can be safely considered as including the Negro,
as weO as others of whom he speaks. Mr. Shinn says that ' ' The vast body of gold seekdrs
known afterwards as the Argonauts, did not reach the Pacific Coast until earl^ in Forty-
nine (1849). The organization of the smaller mining communities of 1848 must be con-
sidered before we can discuss the more complex element of later camps. When, early
in 1849, mining began at Coloma, near Sutter's Mill, Captain Sutter himself had alcalde
powers over the region. That autumn Mr. Belt was elected Alcalde at Stockton. The
nearly two thousand Americans who were in the mines before the end of June, and most
of them knew what an alcalde was, knew that he had no legal right to elect an officer and
knew, also, that Col. Mason, the de facto (Governor, was the only other authority. But
there was no general acceptance of Sutter as Alcalde. Some of the very first miners
attempted to own, hold, control and rent to others a large and valuable mineral bearing
tract. After paying rent for a short time the newcomers, who were in the majority, began
to equalise matters and adopt laws respecting the size of claims.
Nothing in the early history of these camps is more evident than the unpremeditated
and unsystematic nature of their first proceedings; officers were never elected until th^
were needed to give an immediate decision and, as we have said, local customs in rgeard
to the amount of ground a man could mine took form before officers were formally chosen.
Everyone knew that most of the land on which they worked was government land, and the
use of it belonged to all alike until such time as the government made other regulations.
Equality of ownership was the only logical conclusion. Here the laws of the camps had
their beginning. Long before the first California gold had reached New York, claims of
a definite size were being measured out in the mining camps for each gold seeker. The
ownership of land was the beginning of organization. Its ownership in equal parts is
significant of the form of society that prevailed, for an unconscious socialism it certainly
was. The miners put all men for once on a leveL Clothes, money, manners, family con-
nections, letters of introduction, never before counted for so little. The whole community
was substantially given an even start in the race. Gold was for a time so inexhaustible
that the power of wealth was momentarily annihilated. Social and financial inequality
between man and man were swept out of sight. Each stranger was welcome, told to take
a pan and pick and go to work, for himself. The richest miner in the camp was seldom
able to hire a servant; those who had formerly been glad to serve others were digging on
their own claims. The veriest greenhorn was likely to uncover the richest mine on the
gulch as was the wisest ex-professor of geology, and on the other hand the best claim on
the river might suddenly "give out" and never again yield a dollar, the poorest man in
camp could have a handful of gold dust for the asking from a more successful neighbor.
The early camps of Calif omia did more than to merely destroy all fictitious standards;
they he^ai at once to create new bonds of human fellowships." Mr. Shinn 's estimate
can be reUed upon because he was on the ground and studied conditions at first hand.
There were not a great number of Negroes at that period in the State, and yet there
were enough to have caused a difference had there been any desire on the part of the
mining camps to have a difference, if we are to believe that the census was correctly
reported. Goodwin, in his "Establishment of Government in California," gives the fol-
lowing in regard to the Negro population of California at that period, in which he says:
"The seventh Census, 1850; total population in the State, 92,597; white inhabitants,
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42 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
91,635; colored, 962. Men, colored, 872; women, colored, 90. Six counties, containing
the Inrgeet colored population: Sacramento, 212; Maripoaa, 195; El Dorado, 149; Cala-
veras^ 182; Yuba, 66; Tuolumne, 66. Sixty-nine of the colored population were bom in
the State, 709 other sections of the United States and 175 foreign countries." These
figures prove that the majority of the Negro population then living in California were in
the counties in which were located the mining camps. Elsewhere in this book will be
found copies of Freedom Papers recorded in these counties, some of which give the price
the Negroes paid by working in the mines after night for themselves in an effort to earn
the price of their freedom. In the chapter on ''Slavery" will be found other slave records
and the price they paid and the sections of the State where they earned the money working
in the mines; these places can be located in some one of these counties.
If one "vrill study in an impartial manner the debates on the boundary and also slavery,
as it was debated in the Constitutional Convention, they can readily see that they were
intensified through the great desire for admission as a State into the Union. Mr. Norton,
in his address before the Constitutional Convention, in speaking on Mr. McDougaU's sub-
stitute amendment, said: ''I am opposed to this reconsideration for the simple reason
that I want this whole matter submitted to the Legislature. If the people desire such a
clause they can instruct their representatives and then an enactment of the Legislature
can be made that will prevent any discussion of this question in Congress and the possi-
bility of our being thrown out of the Union."
The California constitution was finally formed with a clause preventing slavery in the
State, and in due time a Governor and Legislature were elected. In the first message the
Qovemor sent to the Legislature he recommended the exclusion of Free Negroes from
coming to or residing in the State. He could not have done differently after the numerous
amendments offered on the subject of slavery in the Constitutional Convention.
The Senate and Legislature of California at that period formed joint resolutions on
the subject and intended to send them to the Congress of the United States, but were
prevented from so doing by the parliamentary tactics of Senator Broderick, a splendid
friend to the Negro. An amendment being offered against the Negro, Mr. Broderick would
amend the amendment and then his amendment would be amended. At this point Senator
Broderick would invariably move to indefinitely postpone the same. In this way be clev-
erly killed a set of resolutions which would have no doubt delayed the admission of Cali-
fornia into the Union.
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CHAPTER VI
Admission of California into the Union
In Baneroft'fl political lii8tor7 the following appears: ''Early in 1848 tlie editor of
the Caiifamian in May of that year declared that he echoed the sentiment of the people
of OaHfomia in saying that slavery is not desired here and if their voices conld be heard
in the halls of onr National Legislature, "it would be as one man, rather than place this
blighting curse upon us. Let us remain as we are, unacknowledged and unaided."
The slavery question was so prominent that California never passed through a Terri-
torial form of government. The citizens held a convention, formed their constitution and
elected a Legislature without the permission of the Congress of the United States Their
object was to be admitted to the Union of the United States Government as a Free State,
before the slaveholders could locate their slaves in California.
There was no transcontinental railroads in pioneer days coming into California. The
trip was dangerous, long and at the best it was not an easy matter to communicate with
the government in 'Washington or locate in California. The majority of the citizens of
the State at that date were people from the South and yet they were bitterly opposed to
the slave traffic in California. Their position is better explained with a quotation from
''General U. 8. Grant's Memories" (p. 39): "The labor of the country was not skilled,
nor aDowed to become so. The whites could not toil without becoming degraded and those
who did were denominated 'poor white trash.' The system of labor would have soon
exhausted the soil, and the non-slaveholder would have left the country and the small
slaveholder must have sold out to his more fortunate neighbor."
This quotation fully explains to the reader that the majority of the white settlers at
that period in California belonged to either the northern element who were opposed to
slavery from principle, or they were opposed to it because they were too poor to own
slaves, while the other half of the white settlers in the Territory of California were for
bringing their slaves because they saw a possibility of working the mines and reaping a
fortune through slave labor.
The opposition to slave labor in California by those who did not own slaves in the
Southland previous to coming west, was because of the terrible caste of being called ' ' poor t
white trash" if they attempted to make their own living. There was among the setUers
in Califomia during pioneer days good material for the making of good humanitarians.
They were sincere and believed, like Columbus, that California, with its balmy atmosphere
and beauty, was too near the "Terrestrial Paradise" to blight it with human slavery.
And to add an insult to their efforts to make their living by the sweat of their own brow,
or be called for so doing "poor white trash." The caste in a place as beautiful and rich
with gold as Oftlif omia would have been thrice as hard as in the other parts of the United
Stotes.
If the Negro slaveholders could bring their slaves to work the mines they would soon
have all the gold and the poor white people would be poorer than ever. They realised that
no country can continue long beautiful that has for its object the oppression of mankind, /
whether black, red, yellow or white. The course these early Calif omians took at that early
date in Califomia 's history is the same today. They may some time make mistakes, but
tb^ are not afraid to do the right thing as it appears to them, whether anyone else ap-
proves or not.
Long before the United States Congress met again Califomia had formed its consti-
tution, held one session of the Legislature and sent a representative to the United States
Congress to ask admission into the Union, which was the beginning of the greatest chapter
in American History. Congress, owing to the slave question, had been unable to agree on
a Territorial form of government for Califomia. There were some very eloquent add re ss es
delivered for and against its admission. Both sides presenting arguments in defense of
their views and rights. A few years previous the House passed the Missouri Compromise
which was intended to limit the extension of slavery. It was afterward amended so that
two States, Nebraska and Kansas, were admitted into the Union and without restricting
slavery. Afterward the "Wihnot Proviso" was passed by Congress, which said that "No
part of the territory acquired from Mexico shall be open to the introduction of slavery."
The southern members of Congress deemed it just that the newly acquired Territory
of California should either admit slavery in all or part. There were at the time fifteen
Free States and fifteen Slave States in the United States. Some of the members of the
<^lifoniia Constitutional Convention who were friendly to the Souj^el^^\$P#it%l#T®
44 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
the convention adopt for Galifornia the entire territory recently purchased from Mexico.
The eastern boundary of California would have reached to the Bocky Mountains, making
a State so unwieldy and out of proportion that the Congress of the United States would
either have thrown it out or divided it into two States, Northern and Southern CaHf omia.
The South would then have had another Slave State in the southern i»art of California and
the North another Free State in Northern California. The statesmen debated the question
of the admission of California for months, and for a while it seemed that it would not be
admitted. Public opinion and conscience for years previous had been aroused through the
work of such men and humanitarians as WiUiam Lloyd-Garrison, Charles Sumner, and »
long list of advocates of human freedom and justice, that a few of the Congressmen raised
their voices in speech and won others to think as they did, which resulted in the final
voting in of California as a Free State, or without permitting slavery in her domain.
Space does not permit quoting from many of these masterful addresses. The follow-
ing quotation is from the address delivered by Senator Benton, who was the father-in-law
of C^eral Fremont. His address will give the readei< some idea of the justice of Cali-
fornia's claim to admission into the Union. Among other things he said: ''It is pro-
posed to make the admission of California a part of a system of measures for the settle-
ment of the whole slavery question in the United States. I am opposed to this mixing of
subjects which have no affinities and am in favor of giving to the application of California
for admission into the Union a separate consideration and an independent decision upon
its own merits. She is a State and should not be mixed up with anything below the dig-
nity of a State. She has washed her hands of slavery at home and shoiJd not be mixed
up with it abroad. She presents a single application and should not be coupled with other
subjects. Yet it is proposed to mix up the question of admitting California with all the
questions which the slave agitation has produced in the United States, and to make one
general settlement of the whole somewhat in the nature of a compact or compromise. Now
I am opposed to all this. I ask for California a separate consideration and object to mix-
ing her up any more with the whole of the angry and distracting subject of difference
which has grown out of slavery in the United States*** What are these subjects? They
are: the creation of territorial government for New Mexico and in the remaining part of
California; the creating of a new State in Texas, reducing of her boundaries, settlement
of her dispute with Mexico— and cession of her surplus territory to the United States;
recapture of fugitive slaves; suppression of the slave trade in the District of Columbia;
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia* **forts, arsenals, navy yards and dock
yards of the United States; abolition of the slavery within the State and a catalogue of
oppression, aggression and encroachment upon the South. This is the list of subjects to
be mixed up with the question of admitting the State of California into the Union; and I
am opposed to the mixture and that for the reasons which apply to the whole in a lump
and to each separate ingredient in the detail. I am against it in a lump. California is a
State and has a right to be treated as other States have been treated asking for admission
into the Union, and none of which have been subject to the indignity of having their appli-
cation coupled with the decision of other inferior and to them foreign questions. I object
to it upon principle*** that principle of fair legislation which requires every measure, unim-
peded by weaker ones***on account of the subjects to be coupled with California all angry,
distracthig and threatening the Union with dissolution, while her application is calm, con-
ciliatory, national and promises to strengthen the Union. I object because California her-
self has objected to it. Her constitution contains this provision: 'Every law enacted by the
Legislature shall contain but one object and that shall be expressed in the title.' This is
the opinion of California about mixing different subjects together in the process of legis-
lation and a wise provision it is to be put into all constitutions. The Senator from Ken-
tucky is in favor of the proposition to couple the admission of California with some other
subjects. I think he limited himself to the territorial government and recommended that
conjunction as the most speedy way of accomplishing the admission of the young State.
Sir, I say honor first, speed afterward. I say honorable admission no matter upon what
time, in preference to dishonorable one no matter how speedy.
"The subjects proposed to be coupled with California under the motion from which
we move to except are all subjects impending in the Senate and which grew out of the
institution of slavery in the United States. If she goes to the intended grand committee
of thirteen under the proposition, she goes there to be coupled in the consideration and
weighed in the balance and mixed up in the concoction and brought out in the product of
all these subjects moulded and amalgamated in a compromise. I qualify this as dishon-
orable to CaHfomia, and say that the latest admission is doubtless desirable to California,
her position is anomalous and disadvantageous, a young government without the means of
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OF CALIFORNIA 45
living, without eharaeter to borrow, soticiting loans and that in vain at three per cent a
monUi. If she were a State of the Union, Wall Street wonld relieve her of her bonds.
But being as she is without acknowledged legal ezistenee, the capitalist e8che¥FS her and
this young State, rich in inherent resources, and sitting upon gold, is driven to the resource
of State bonds and a paper medium, which nobody will touch. All her operations are car-
ried on at disadvantage, for want of a fixed legal character*** Want of a branch mint and
before that could be gotten ready an assayer to fix the value of gold in a lump is another
want of California, neglected because she is not a State: The laborer loses largely on
all his diggings for the want of this test of value. All the gold that is used in the country
18 used at a great loss of two dollars in the ounce, as I have been told, equal to twelve per
eent on the amount dug. That is an enormous tax upon labor, such as no country ever
beheld. Yet it has to be endured until the State is admitted, and even after that until
Congress legislates for her. Those are some of the reasons for the speedy admission of
California. They are great and many remain untold. But great as they are, dishonorable
admission is worse than these.***Let us vote upon the measure before us beginning with
the admission of California. Let us vote her in. Let us vote after four months' talk.
The people who have gone there have done honor to the American name. ' '
The extract from the speech just quoted clearly explains the different objections offered
by the Southern Senators in an effort to keep California out of the Union.
Mr. Benton in his address spoke of California's insecure banking or credit system
due to lack of recognition as a State. I would that I could give the reader a few instances
of the wild financial deals in pioneer times in California. But my history is concerning the
Negro in California, hence will have to confine the subject to the effect upon the Negro
and his interest. Speaking of banking in pioneer days in Calif omia recalls a remark made
by the daughter of a colored pioneer who said that when the rumor that the banking firm
of Page ft Bacon, of San Francisco, had failed or was about to fail, her father, who was
a depositor, immediately withdrew his deposit. He filled a champagne basket with the
gold he drew from the bank, loaded the basket on a wheelbarrow and carted it home. She
said that some time afterward the bank did fail. The name of this colored pioneer wi^
Samuel Shelton, a fair representative of the class of colored people living at the time in
California. Such could not be either a menace or a burden to society.
We will proceed with the address in favor of the admission of California into the
Union, delivered by Senator Seward, in which he said:
''Let, then, those who distrust the Union make compromises to save it. I shaU not
impeach their wisdom as I certainly cannot their patriotism. But indulging in no such
apprehension myself, I shall vote for the admission of CaUfomia directly without condi-
tions, without qualifications, and without compromise. For the vindication of that vote, I
look not at the verdict of the passing hour, disturbed as the public mind now is by con-
flicting interest and passion, but to that period happily not far distant when the vast
region over which we are now legislating shall have received their destined inhabitants.
While looking forward to that day its countless generations seem to me to be rising up
and passing in dim and shadowy review before me and a voice comes forth from their
serried ranks saying: 'Waste your treasures and your armies, if you will; raze your for-
tifications to the ground; sink your navy into the sea; transmit to us even a dishonored
name if you must, but the soil you hold in trust for us give it to us free. You found it
free and conquered it to extend a better and surer freedom over it. Whatever choice you
have made for yourselves, let us have no partial freedom. Let us all be free; let the rever-
sion of your broad domain descend to us unincumbered and free from the calamities and
sorrows of human bondage.'
"It is the part of the eternal conflict between mind and physical forces, the conflict
of man against the obstacles which oppose his way to an ultimate and glorious destiny.
It wUl go on until you shall terminate it by yielding in your own way and in your own
manner indeed, but nevertheless yielding, to the progress of 'Emancipation.' You will
do this sooner or later, whatever may be your opinion now, because nations which were
prudent, and human, and wise, as you are, have done so already."
This address was the most effectual one delivered in Congress in behalf of the admis-
sion of California into the Union. The reader will agree that it is grand, human and so
much like a prophecy. A vote was taken in the Senate, and California was admitted to
the Union.
Almost immediately after its admission a protest was framed and signed by ten
southern Senators, members of the United States Congress. They protested against the
adnussion of California as a Free State. There was considerable debate as to whether the
secretary should read the protest, and then a lot more talk as to the a^^^^|l||j^^iilkbf^
46 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
entered on the Senate JonmaL FinaUj, Jefferson Davia, froni Mueiesippi, who at the
time was a member of the Senate, addressed that body, and said that so much talk was
creating outside criticism, and the newspapers were spreading alarming reports, which
were doing more to create a sentiment to dissolve the Union than it would to enter the
protest on the Senate Journal. The names of the Senators signed to the protest were as
foUows: J. M. Mason, B. M. T. Hunter, of Virginia; A. P. Butler, B. B. Barnwell, of
South Carolina; H. L. Tunnej, of Tennessee; ^ree Soule, Louisiana; Jefferson Davis,
of Mississippi; David B. Atchison, Missouri; Jackson Morton, D. L. Tulee, Florida. Sen-
ate Chamber, August 13, 1850.
Senator Seward's address, appealing to a higher consciousness, caused the Senators
to vote Oftlif omia as a Free State. Their actions proved that justice was about to rule,
even if the Negro slaves had been held in darkness, ignorance, and cruelly treated in a
land where people had come to escape oppression and had declared their independence.
They allowed another class of people to come to America and for hundreds of years cany
on human slavery, forgetting that the first human blood shed in the Bevolutionary War
was that of a Negro man by the name of Crispus Attucks. StiU even this sacrifice was
not sufficient to arouse the conscience of the masses against the enslaving of the Africans
brought to America. The statesmen in those days could not see nor b^eve that it was
right to allow California to become a Free State.
If the reader will review in an impartial manner the facts in the case and consider
that for hundreds of years these southern Senators' ancestors had been dealing in human
slaves, that some of their fortunes had been handed down to them in the form of human
slaves, it would 'be more than human for them to give up the institution of slavery with-
out a struggle. They were true to what th^ believed to be right.
There were others who did not believe in human slavery, and still others who, while
believing in it, were too poor to own slaves, and wished California admitted as a Free
State for fear that if the southern whites were permitted to bring their slaves and work
the mines there would soon be an aristocracy of southerners in beautiful California. The
hotter legislated to keep the Negro out of California, whether either slave or free. Th^
were afndd to be even Idnd to the Free Negroes, lest they would lose by that kindness.
'' Kindness is a perfume you cannot pour upon others without getting a few drops your-
self." The admission of California as a "Free State, a land very near the "Terrestrial
Paradise ' ' was as an opening wedge, an awakening of the public conscience and a call from
the God of Justice. The poor slaves had no way of being heard or changing the laws
against them, for their human bondage was so complete it was held a crime to teach them
their letters. But somehow the Negroes learned to pray and they poured out their souls
in prayer and songs, in their plantation melodies, and God was not deaf. The great
Negro, Fred Douglass, at one time was addressing an audience and his heart was so op-
pressed at the cruelties of slavery that in the anguish of his soul, in a heart-rending,
plaintive tone, he said: "Oh, God surely must be dead; he does not answer our prayers."
In the audience sat a colored woman by the name of Sojourner Truth, who arose and said :
"Fred Douglass, God is not dead! To your knees, oh ye benighted sons of Africa; to
your knees; and remain there. There, if nowhere else, the colored man can meet the
white man as an equal and be heard."
The effect of the protest of these southern Senators against the admission of Cali-
fornia as a Free State was as an answer to the prayers of the Negro slaves sent to the
Court of Heaven, for hundreds of years asking to be given their liberty. The abolitionists
and humanitarians had been constantly campaigning against the system of human slavery.
Like drops of water they had finally worn an impression upon human conscience. People
were beginning to think. The battle was not won by the admission of California into the
Union as a Free State, but the protest of the southern Senators was effective and the
South began to realize that the time was coming when the country would no longer remain
"one-half free and one-half slave." It really was the beginning of the end of human
slavery in the United States.
There were many white persons living in the South who were too poor to own slaves,
and yet too proud to work for a living; too much like a slave, the performance of common
labor. All over the country there was fast developing a class of white people who were
"shabby genteel." Their children, however, grew tired of the custom, especially when
coming into contact with the northern whites who worked and earned their living by the
sweat of their own brows and were happy and healthy.
This was demonstrated in a speech in the California Constitutional Convention when
one gentleman, a member of the convention, said: "We left the South because we did
not care to bring up a family in a half dependent sort of a fashion." In other words,
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OP CALIFORNIA 47
tbey eame to Califorma because tbej wished to earn their own living without the aid of
Negro slaves, and not be considered '^ common, or poor white trash" for so doing. He
opposed the admission of the Negro either as a slave or freeman. Coming as he did from
the South, he knew the tricks the southern slaveholders would resort to in an effort to retain
their slaves in California and would soon become wealthy in California gold through the
labor of the Negro slaves.
In an addrm given by Abraham Lincoln at Peoria, HL, October 16, 1S56, among
other things the sp^er said: ''Slavery is founded in the selfishness of man's nature;
opposition to it in his love of justice. These principles are in eternal antagonism, and
when brouc^t into collision so fiercely as slavery extension brings them, shocks and
throes and convulsions must ceaselessly follow. Bepeal the Declaration of Lidependence;
repeal all history; you cannot repeal human nature. It still will be the conviction of man's
heart that the extension of slavery is wrong and out of the abundance of his heart his
mouth will continue to speak."
While this speech was delivered after the admission of California into the Union,
still it is typical of the spirit that was dominating the minds of a large number of people
at that period through the United States. The human heart of mankind that loved justice
was crying out either in spirit or otherwise, to be delivered from the cause of slavery. The
prayers of the Negro slave, his groanings and anguish for hundreds of years had to be
heard and answered. In the language of the Honorable John Steven McGroarty: —
"So through the centuries he has borne.
With shoulders bowed to the wheel.
The whole world's burden and its scorn; —
Its bloodhounds at his heels.
Bound, he stood in the palace hall.
He was chained in the galleyed ships,
Tet with deathless courage he biaved it all
With a challenge upon his lips."
Thus the Negro coming to California in pioneer days, with all the disadvantages and
obstacles, ever kept the duillenge on his lips which in time opened to him the door of
hope. The records will show the wonderful strength of character and energy possessed by
the pioneer Negroes of California. The writer is allowing them to teU their own story.
So come visit with me to the aged pioneer Negroes all over the State. Listen to the tales
from their memory of the days when California was young; gather from them the con-
necting links and trace the threads of the story of their struggles to obtain a right to live
in California.
The Honorable John Ebiy has said: "Real history is not to be found in books, but
in the personal anecdotes and private letters of those who make history. These reveal the
men themselves and the motives that actuated them and also their estimate of those who
are associated with them."
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CHAPTER VII
Pony Express
It maj be a great surprise to some people to learn that in January, 1855, Senator
Gwin introduced in the United States Senate a bill which proposed to establish a weekly
letter express service between St. Louis, Missouri, and San Francisco, California. The
express was to operate on a ten days' schedule following the Central route and was to
receive a compensation not. exceeding $500 for each round trip.
This information has been obtained from Glen D. Bradley's ''Story of the Pony Ex-
Pfess." In this highly interesting book the author tells how Senator Gwin, while en route
to Washington City from San Francisco to take his seat in the United States Senate, made
the trip on horselMick, and was accompanied part of the way by a Mr. Flicklin, general
superintendent of the big freight and stage firm of Bussel, Majors ft Waddell, of Leaven-
worth, Kansas, who was an agreeable traveling companion and told Mr. Gwin of his desire
to establish a closer service of transportation to the Pacific Coast.
Under the influence of this conversation Mr. Gwin introduced a bill and had hoped to
woi^ out a plan by which the United States Government would assist. This conversation
and the introduction of the bill were the incentive to the firm and in a very short time
th^ started the operation of the **Pony Express." The object was to shorten the time
between St. Louis, Washington City, and the Pacific Coast.
There were three recognized routes at that date — ^the Butterfield . or Southern, the
Central and the Panama Boute — all of which required a great deal of time. By a system
of relay riders the Pacific Coast was brought within eight days of the Atlantic Coast. The
"Pony Express" was a perfect success. Its value to CaUfomia during the War of the
Bebellion was inestimable. Senator Gwin, who introduced the bill in tibe interest of the
State, made a speech in the United States Senate December 12, 1859, about six months
before the express made its first trip, that ruined his career and left a cloud on his mem-
ory as a statesman.
The "Pony Express" was one of the greatest and most convincing adventures of that
date, causing men to realize that nothing is impossible. The Pacific Coast and its newly
discovered gold was a long way from the seat of the United States Government, the trip
long and dangerous,, over mountains and plains, facing hostile Indians and wild animals,
yet after sixteen months of successful operation the telegraph line supplanted its useful-
ness, as messages could be sent quicker by wire.
The transcontinental railroad soon followed in the trail of the telegraph line. The
"Pony Express" had proven beyond a possibility of doubt that if men could cross the
continent riding horseback with valuable messages and packages in so short a time, why
not a coach of steel f The stage for passengers was a success, and yet it was attended
by great expense and danger of highway robbers, not counting other troubles.
The "Pony Express" was a system of relay riders and stations. Each rider was
supposed to travel seventy-five miles. During that distance he was allowed three different
horses, and just enough time to dismount and mount. The proprietors of the "Pony Ex-
press" were noted for the care with which they employed their men. They were bound
by an oath of honor, the observance of which made the "Pony Express" a success. On
entering the service of the Central Overland, California and Pike's Peak Express Company,
employees of the "Pony Express" were compelled to take an oath of fidelity which was as
follows: "I do hereby swear before the great and living God, that during my en>
gagement and while I am an employee of Bussel, Majors ft Waddell, I will under no circum-
stances use profane language, that I will drink no intoxicating liquors, that I will not
quarrel or fight with any other employee of the firm, and in every respect I will conduct
myself honestly, be faithful to my duties and so direct all my acts as to win the confidence
of my employers. So help me God."
The firm adhered to a rigid observance of the Sabbath. They insisted on their men
doing as little work as possible on the Sabbath day. The firm likewise clung to its policies.
Probably no firm ever won a higher and more deserved reputation for integrity in the ful-
fillment of its contracts and for business reliability than Bussel, Majors ft WaddelL
It affords the writer much pleasure to record tlto names of three colored men who
were connected with thc^ "Pony Express:" Mr. James Frances, of San Francisco, who
had charge of the horses at the end of the trail at Summit, and again at Sacramento,
CaHfomia; George Monroe, from Merced to Mariposa, who was a "Pony Express" rider
between the above named points, and William Bobinson, of Stockton, who carried the
igi ize y g
OP CALIFORNIA 49
mail from Stockton to the Mines, after the Wells Fargo Express bought the ''Ponj Ex-
press" business. He served as such with this companj for forty years. These men had
to take the oath the same as other riders.
In Kennedy's Contest for California the author quotes Justice Field as saying in his
Beminiseences: ''I could have recounted the effort made in 1860 and '61 to keep the
State in the Union against the movements of the Secessionists and the communications had
with President Lincoln by relay riders over the plains." Hittell's History of California,
which said: "But the Presidential election of 1860 when the line became drawn with
great distinction between Union and Secession, California broke its Democratic record and
wheeled into line as a Bepublican State, strong on the side of the Union." Mr. Hittell
gives as his authority ^' Davis Political Conventions, (p. 110-116)." He further said:
"Nominations by the Bepublican National Convention were Abraham Lincoln and Hanni-
bal Hamlin as President and Vice-President, and, in a short time after the canvass opened,
it was very clearly understood that the struggle, call it by whatever name th^y might,
and without reference to individuals, was to be between Union and threatened S^es-
sion.***The Presidential campaign of 1860 in California was a memorable one. The
people were thoroughly aroused and many able speakers took part in the conflict."
Kennedy's Contest for California said: "There were twenty-two newspapers pouring
forth or repeating the arguments and confident boasts of the Breckenridge party, twenty-
four supporting Douglass and only seven for Lincoln.* **Col. E. D. Baker avowed his can-
didacy for the United States Senate from Oregon. But, after the nomination of Lincoln
and Hamlin became known, he put that forward as being of the greatest importance, and
I have been told that Baker's speeches did more than any other instrumentality to secure
the electoral vote of Oregon for the Bepublican candidate."
Col. Baker delivered an address in Salem, Oregon, on the occasion of a Fourth of
July celebration. The following is an extract from it: "Whatever service I have ren-
dered on the field of battle in other days, I leave impartial history to record. But if it
be reserved for me to lay my unworthy life upon the altar of my country in defending it
from internal assailants, I declare here today that I aspire to no higher glory than that
the sun of my life may go down beneath the shadow of Freedom's temple and baptize t^e
emblem of the Nation's greatness, the Stars and the Stripes, that float so proudly before
OS today in my heart's warmest blood."
After the delivery of this speech the Republican committee of California persuaded
OoL Baker to speak in the Commercial Metropolis of the Coast. The place chosen was the
old American Theater, San Francisco. The writer has deemed it appropriate to quote
from this address since Col. Baker was one, if not the greatest, friend the Negro had at
that date in OaUfomia:
"We live in a day of light. We live in an advanced generation. We live in the pres-
ence of the whole world. We are like a city set upon a hill, that cannot be hid. The
prayers and tears and hopes and sighs of all good men are with us. As for me, I dare,
not, I will not, be false to freedom. Here many years ago I took my stand, and where
in youth my feet were planted, there my young manhood, and my old age shall march. I
am not ashamed of Freedom. I know her power. I glory in her strength, I rejoice in her
majesty. I will walk beneath her banner. I have seen them give her ashes to the winds,
regather them that they might scatter them yet more widely. But when they turn to exult,
I have seen her again meet them face to ^ce clad in complete steel and brandishing in
her right hand a flaming sword, red with insufferable light."
In commenting on the speech Kennedy says: "During the utterance of these sen-
tences the listeners were finding it difficult to repress their feelings. When Col. Baker,
always as graceful in gesture as in speech, came to the mention of the sword, he, a veteran
ofilcer of two wars, appeared to draw his own weapon, so that the last words were spoken
with his arm uplifted. The excited thousands sprang to their feet ; the pent-up enthusiasm
broke loose and the wild tumult that greeted the hero on his introduction was repeated
with wilder power. Cheer after cheer rolled from side to side, from pit to dome. Even
the reporters were swept away in the frenzy and left their desks and tables to fall in with
the shouting multitude.
A young fellow, just come of age, afterwards famous as Bret Hart, leaped upon the
stage and frantically waved the American Flag. In this era of prearranged demonstra-
tions that would excite little attention, but no such scene had occurred in California. None,
I think, ever occurred since, and it may well be doubted whether, except in National Con-
VMitions, the equal of it was ever witnessed in the United States. It was nearly a quarter
of an hour before the uproad ceased. Meantime Col. Baker stood motionless, intent, trans-
fixed. When at last there was perfect silence, he spoke as if he l^d |^^^b^^i|]^my{ted
50 THE NEOBO TRAIL BLAZERS
and in a g^olden, throbbing tone that thrilled like an eleetrie eorrent said: ''And I take
courage; tiie genius of Ameriea will at last lead her sons to freedom."
After the conclusion of his address, Col. Baker made a personal statement to a few
friends, since it wonld be the last time he probably would see them before sailing for the
East. He reviewed his defeat in California for United States Congress and adde^ ''With
my heart bruised, my ambition somewhat wounded, my hopes crushed and destroyed, it was
my fortune one week later to stand by the bedside of my slaughtered friend, Broderiek,
who feU in your cause and on your behalf* **and I cried, 'How long, oh how long shall
the hopes of freedom and her champion be thus crushed?' The tide has turned. I regret
my little faith. I renew my hopes. I see better omens. The warrior rests. It is true he
is in the embrace of that sleep that knows no earthly waking. Nor word, nor wish or
prayer, nor triumph can call him from that lonely abode* **but his example lives among
us. In San Francisco, I know I speak to hundreds of men tonight, perhaps thousands,
^o loved him in his life and who will be true to his memory always. And if I were not
before a vast assemblage of the people, I would say that in a higher arena it may be my
privilege to speak to him and for him."
One writer in describing Col. Baker on this occasion, said: "His countenance and
bearing and his gray locks recalled the picture of Thorwaldsen, of whom it was said that
when he moved in the midst of a crowd it would separate as if it felt the presence of a
superior being. His disposition was the perfection of amiability. In his most heated
forensic and political contests he was never betrayed into saying an unmanly thing of
an adversary."
Hittell, in his history of San Francisco, says of this speech by CoL Baker: "It was
in this campaign that E. D. Baker pronounced in favor of Freedom and the Bepublican
party, what was supposed to be the greatest speech ever delivered in California. It will
survive the English language if that can ever die. It will be repeated, cherished and
appealed to untU freedom, in every form the most precious of all the triumphs of humanity
and the struggle for it the most sacred of all duties, shall have lost its interest. It sur-
passes any paragraph in Demosthenes, Cicero, Burk, Webster, Sumner, or Gladstone.***
It is the soundest reason on a subject appealing to the sympathies of our common Nation,
expressed in the highest polish of rhetoric."
The speeches just quoted were more than admirable because of the remoteness of
California, and its mixed citizenship of Indian, Mexican, Chinese and Spaniard, and also
the southern ex-slaveholder. It was so easy to be misunderstood, and men in California
at that period settled their differences by dueling. Their code of honor did not admit of
ignoring a challenge. The duel between Judge Terry and Senator Broderick was then
^esh in the minds of the public. It was this duel Col. Baker referred to when he spoke of
his slaughtered friend Broderick. Judge Terry was resentful to Broderick because of his
known friendship toward the Negro. Consequently when the slightest provocation pre-
sented itself, Judge Terry challenged Senator Broderick to a duel of pistols. Mr. Brod-
erick died from the wounds received in the duel. It has been said that his last words
were: "They kiUed me because I am opposed to the extension of slavery and a corrupt
administration. ' '
Mr. Broderick had as a body servant a colored man by the name of John Jones, who
was in the immediate vicinity of the duelling grounds when Senator Broderick, who had
fired his gun into the air, was shot by Judge Terry. This colored man was more than a
mere body servant. "Senator Broderick had taken a great fancy to Jones and when he
left for the National Capital to represent California in the Halls of Congress, he took
Jones along with him as his valet and confidential servant. During the active period of
the Vigilance Committee he was put in charge of the warehouse which served as an
armory and as the council room of the committee. He was present when a barge load of
rifles was seized by the committee. These rifles were coming from Sacramento and had
been sent by the Governor to the Terry faction, who were opposing the Vigilance Com-
mittee. ' ' The quotation is from a pioneer whose life is given in full in another section of
the book.
CoL E. D. Baker was not only a true friend of freedom, but he was a sincere friend
to the immortal Lincoln. He showed his love and friendship for Lincoln by neglecting his
own candidacy after the nomination of Lincoln for the Presidency of the United States.
Abraham Lincoln was equally as true to him and, realizing the terrible odds E. D. Baker
would have against him in this western country in the race for United States Senator,
sent a letter to a friend asking this friend to give his regards to Baker. The letter is here
quoted in full:
Digitized by VJV^VJV LK.
OP CALIFORNIA 51
''Springfield, OL, Aug., 1860.
Dear Friend: — If yon see Col. Baker, giye him my respects. I do hope he may not
be tricked out of what he has fairly earned.
''Yonrs forever, As ever
''A. LmCX)LN."
This letter was not intended for the public, but the friend made it public and saved
the day for E. D. Baker in his race for the United States Senate. Afterward Lincoln was
elected as President of the United States with a plurality in California of 614. As the
President of the United States he relied upon the recommendation of CoL Baker more
tban once in appointments on the Pacific Coast as the following will show:
"Headquarters of the Army at the National Capital, Adjutant General Thomas, ignor-
ing the Governor of Oregon, wrote to three loyal citizens of the State, Col. Thomas B.
Cornelius, Hon. B. F. Harding and B. F. Maury, authorizing them to raise for the service
of the United States, one regiment of mounted troops" and, after instructions as to offi-
cers and equipment, added, "unless otherwise ordered you will be governed by directions
sent by Col. E. D. Baker, Senator from Oregon. The department relies confidently upon
the prudence, patriotism, and economy with which you will execute this trust."
CoL Baker used his influence to defeat the Secession conspiracy to dislodge California, t
G^rge W. Ficks, representing the Grand Army of the Bepublic, in an address at the
Lincoln exercises in the Sacramento high school several years ago said: "James McClatchy,
in a conversation with Edmond Bandolph during those strenuous times, came into posses-
sion of the aim to dislodge California from the Union. Immediately after the conversation
James McClatchy wrote to E. D. Baker, then Senator in the United States Senate, and as
a 'Pony Express' was*then starting it carried this important letter with all the plans to
E. D. Baker." Kennedy in his Contest for Calif omia says: "For Baker there was one
supreme demand that Albert Sidney Johnson should be removed and the army forces on
the Pacific Coast be subject to the orders of a loyal man." Two weeks after the Inaug-
uration, General Scott wrote to Brigadier (General E. V. Sumner to prepare to sail for
California. The following day form^ orders were confidentially issued to C^neral Sumner,
directing him to without delay repair to San Francisco, and relieve Brevet Brigadier (Gen-
eral Albert Sidney Johnson, in command of the Department of the Pacific; he was
instructed to leave his orders sealed until he should have crossed the Isthmus of Panama
and fairly out into the Pacific.
According to this address by Mr. George W. Ficks, when C^n. Sumner presented his
credentials to Albert S. Johnson, the latter replied: "Give me one hour and I will turn
the country over to you." C^en Sumner replied, "No, not one minute. I am now in com-
mand of the Department of the Pacific" Kennedy's Contest for California says that,
"then, the crisis was passed."
Brevet Albert Johnson was relieved of the command of the Department of the Pacific.
It was soon discovered that there was a strong Secession movement on this coast to that
extent that when an order came for the soldiers under the command of General Sumner
on this coast to leave for the East, the best citizens signed a petition entreating the €k>v-
enunent not to remove the troops from the State. They gave for their reason that a ma-
jority of our present State officials are avowed Secessionists and the balance, being bit-
terly hostile to the administration, are advocates of peaceful policy at any sacrifice upon
terms that would not be rejected even in South Carolina. Every appointment made by
our Governor within the past three months indicates his entire sympathy and co-operation
with 'those plotting to sever California from her allegiance to the Union, and that, too, at
the hazard of civU war. About three-eighths of our citizens are natives of slave-hol^g
States, and are almost a unit in this crisis. The hatred manifested so pointedly in the
South and so strongly evinced on the field of battle is no more intense there than here.***
Our advice, obtained with great prudence and care, shows us that there are about sixteen
thousand Knights of the Golden Circle in the State."
The loading with arms and powder of the clipper ship J. W. Chapman; the plot to
take Mare Island Navy Yards, have been fully stated in Bancroft's "History of Cali-
fornia." The Department of the Pacific was then in the control of an experienced and
loyal man who, when the situation would become serious, would issue an order that would
make them consider well their actions. His orders were like this: "No Federal troops
in the Department of the Pacific will ever surrender to rebels. E. V. Sumner. ' '
In regard to the Secessionist movement in California, Kennedy, in his "Contest for
Calif omia" says, using as his authority, "The Bebellion Becords," and quoting from
them: "The Secessionist continued defiant and seditious demonstrations occurred in many
Digitized by VJ^^^^VIV^
52 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
places, a common feature being the raising of the Bear Flag, accompanied by militarT'
ceremonies."
In his first report to Washington, C^neral Snmner said: "There is a strong Union
feeling with a majority of the people of this State, but the Secessionists are much the
most active and zealous party, which give them more influence than they ought to have
for their number. I have no doubt there is some deep scheming to draw California into
the secession movement, in the first place as the 'Bepublic of the Pacific,' expecting after-
ward to induce her to join the Southern Confederacy."
On the thirteenth, the Oeneral wrote to Assistant Adjutant (General Townsend, at
Whshington, D. C: "I have found it necessary to withdraw the troops from Fort Mojave,
and place them at Los Angeles. There is more danger of dissatisfaction at this place than
any other in the State." On the seventh of May Captain Winfield Scott Hancock, com-
manding at Los Angeles, reported: ''The Bear Flag was raised at El Monte, twelve
miles d^tant. The escort was say forty horsemen. I have, I believe, reliable evidence that
it will be raised here on Sunday the twkfth inst. That is, the flag will be paraded through
the streets under a strong escort."
The coming of Brigadier General Sumner, as Commander to the Department of the
Pacific Coast, had a wonderful effect in giving the Union people courage, especially in
San Francisco. There were so many different factions and with E. D. Baker in the Sen-
ate at Washington City and Broderick dead, there were few strong and influential men
left in California, but when Fort Sumter was fired upon, it seemed to make heroes of
men everywhere, and a mass meeting was held in San Francisco and it has been said that
fully fourteen thousand persons attended; and at this meeting under the infiuence of Bev.
Thomas Starr King there were Union companies organized. The Catholic Archbishop
Alemany, Sheriff David Scannell and many others were present. While the people of the
Pacific Coast were holding mass meetings encouraging Union sentiment; the people in
far-away New York were holding a similar meeting, and a voice from the Pacific Coast
and California was raised in this meeting to give courage to the men to save the Union.
That was the voice of Hon. Col. E. D. Baker, then United States Senator. The following
is quoted from his speech on this occasion: "The majesty of the people is here today
to sustain the majesty of the Constitution, and I come a wanderer from the far Pacific to
record my oath along with yours of the great Empire State and offer from the far Pacific
a voice feebler than the feeblest murmur upon its shores may be heard, to give you cour-
age and hope in this contest. That voice is yours today.* **If Providence shall will it,
this feeble hand shall draw a sword, never yet dishonoied, not to fight for honor on a
foreign soil; but for country, for home, for law, for government, for constitution, for
right, for freedom, for humanity."
This address was delivered just one week after the firing on Fort Sumter. The
President of the United States called for volunteers on the fifteenth of April, and on May
first a meeting was held at the Metropolitan Hotel, New York City, and was composed of
former citizens from California and Oregon, one hundred of whom had paid their way
from California to New York that they might be near the center of activities. At this
meeting it was decided to raise a regiment and offer their services to the United States
Government, and also tender Col. E. D. Baker the position as Colonel of the regiment.
The chairman of the meeting wrote to Senator Baker telling him of the wishes of the men
at this meeting and also wrote to the Secretary of War, Hon. Simeon Cameron, concerning
the appointment. Men in all parts of the East were anxious to serve under CoL E. D.
Baker, and they soon had a brigade which was known as "Baker's California Brigade."
President Lincoln issued a call for a special session of Congress. Senator E. D. Baker
delivered a most eloquent speech upon a bill reported from the Military Committee. But
hd did the Pacific Coast honor when he spoke on the floor of Congress of the United
States. While addressing that body he was so sincere in his desire to save the country
that he forgot that he was addressing the highest body in the American nation, in the
uniform of his regiment. There has never before nor since been such an occasion as this.
Mr. Breckenridge bad made a speech that members of the House deemed demanded an
answer immediately, since it was vital in its effect if permitted to go unanswered. They
realized that Col. Baker was about the only member of that body that had the courage
to give an immediate answer. A courier was dispatched to bring CoL Baker to the U. S.
Congress. He was near by, drilling his regiment. Like a true soldier he did not wait to
question the reason why, but, forgetting self, hastened to the Halls of Congress and ad-
dressed that body. It has been recorded as one of the most wonderful addressee ever
delivered before that body in the most critical time of its history. After addressing Con-
gress he returned to the drilling of his regiment. Shortly afterward his regiment was
ordered to Fortress Monroe, and then fought the Battle of Ball'^^Bluff. ^^h^^^ylv^&ker
OF CALIFORNIA 53
ivas killed, tlie firat TJnion officer to lose bis life in the Civil War in the eaase of Freedom.
Hon. John Haj said of him: ''Edward Dickinson Baker was promoted by one grand
brevet of ^ God of battle above the acclaim of the field, above the applause of the
world to the heavens of the martyr and the hero."
President Lincoln grieved greatlj over the death of GoL Baker. Hon. Timothy G.
Phelps, a member of the United States Congress, then representing California, in his trib-
vte to CoL Baker delivered before the House of Bepresentatives in December, 1861, de-
clared: ''The whole country is indebted to him, in no small degree, that California is
today in the Union." Congressman A. A. Sargent said: "California is largely indebted
to E. D. Baker that she is not today within the grasp of Secessionists."
Can the reader doubt} the reason the few pioneer Negroes were so courageous when
th^ had such a man and soldier as their friend and counsellor in their struggles f
Hon. Theodore Hittell once told the writer tiiat he had never heard a greater orator
than was Col. E. D. Baker, nor one with a more musical voice; to hear him speak meant
at once respectful attention
Digitized by
Google
CHAPTER Vni
Bight of Testimont — Gordon Case — ^A Tragedy with the Colobbd Man
Several years previous to this tragedy, a colored family had moved to San Franeiseo,
Califomia, coming from Baltimore, Maryland. This family consisted of Mr. and Mrs.
Gordon, together with several sisters of the wife. One of the sisters opened a millinery
store and Mr. Gordon a barber shop in the basement room of the Niantic Hotel, comer
of Bush and Samson streets, San Francisco, California. The proprietor of the hotel was
a white gentleman by the name of Mr. Fink.
The tragedy in which Mr. Gordon lost his life occurred as follows: One evening
before dusk as one of the young ladies who had the millinery store was going to her supper
in the rear of the store, she suddenly turned in time to see a man robbing her cash drawer.
She ran back into the store. When the man ran out into the street she continued to chase
him, calling ''Stop, thief!" She was not, however, successful in overtaking iiim. The
next morning this white man, who was chased the evening previous for robbing the cash
box of the millinery store, went into Mr. Gordon's barber shop and demanded that Mr.
Gk>rdon make his sister take back the name ''thief" she had caUed him the night before,
while chasing him. Mr. Gordon replied that he had not been at home, and had luid nothing
to do with tiie affair. The white man then began to abuse Mr. Gordon, finally shooting
him at his barber's chair. When shot, Mr. Gordon ran to the street crying "murder!"
The white man foUowed him, find, after Mr. Gk>rdon had fallen to the sidewalk, shot him
again and beat him with his revolver. The proprietor of the hotel was coming down the
street and recognized the white murderer. There was, however, in the shop at the time
of the shooting, a colored man of very light complexion, a Mr. Robert C!owle8. This gen-
tleman witnesMd the wholo affair, but in order to rule his testimony out of court as a
witness, he was subjected to an examination by a corps of physicians, who decided that
his hair showed he had one-sixteenth part of a drop of Negro blood, and his testimony
could not be taken. There was, however, another witness to be dealt with, and that was
the proprietor of the hotel, Mr. Fink, who had witnessed the tragedy. His testimony
coidd not be disputed, resulting in this white murderer being sent to the penitentiary for
ten years. Owing to the fact that the prisoner had tuberculosis, at the end of two years
he was pardoned— 4ying soon afterward.
A white attorney by the name of Mr. Owens represented the colored family in court
against this white murderer. This information, as stated, has been given to the writer by
two difierent members of the Gordon family now living in California.
The Court's decision in the Gordon murder trial was depressing to the colored people
then living throughout the State of California and resulted in a few public-spirited and
justice-loving Negroes in San Francisco organizing the Franchise League. The object of
this league was to do all they possibly cotSd to ^ve removed from ^e statute books of
the State of California the law denyii^i^ Negroes the "Bight of Testimony" in the courts
of justice.
The name "Franchise League," and the names of the members and officers were
sufficient to inspire in all the Negroes in the State the confidence that it would be a genuine
league. "I am resolved 'tis more than half my task, 'twas the great need of all my past
existence." "The Franchise League was organized August 12, 1862. Remarks were
made by Messrs. F. G. Barbadoes, William H. Yates, Symon Cook, I. G. Wilson, B. A.
Hall, Peter A. Bell and J. B. Sanderson. It was deemed proper to organize a movement
of the people which shall be responsible to them with a view to action among them in
securing from the next Legislature our testimony in the State. Mr. Wilson submitted a
paper proposing a basis. It was quite elaborate; the hour was too late to examine it in
detail. A committee of Hve was appointed to examine this and secure other plans as
might be proposed." The foregoing account is taken from the diary of J. B. Suiderson,
witii the permission of his family.
Aside from the workings of the Franchise League to secure the right of testimony in
the courts of justice, the following named gentlemen solemnly pledged themselves to go
to Sacramento and lobby until they were successful in having the Legislature pass a biU
which would repeal those portions of the Civil and Criminal Practice Acts which had pro-
hibited Negroes from the right to testify in the courts of justice in California where white
people were parties to suits: Henry Collins, Alfred White, Rev. Peter Cassey, William
Hall, William A. Smith, George W. Dennis, J. B. Sanderson, JolB)yi4€ Jones, James Brown,
OF CALIPOBNIA 55
Peter Bell, Mifflin Gibbs, David Bngglee, John Moore, Symon Cook, I. G. Wilson, B. H.
Haa
The reader will more f ullj understand the work to be done hy the Franchise Leagoe
if he first reviews that which had already been done in an efiort to obtain the "Bight of
Testimony" in the courts of justice, and the privilege to own land. The struggle for the
"Bight of Testimony" was long and dii&cult, lasting from 1852 to 18G3. During the
entire time the colored pioneers never relaxed in their efforts.
In the Journal of the Assembly under date March 22, 1862, page 395, the writer has
found the following: "Mr. Canny presented a petition from Free Negroes of San Fran-
cisco praying a chfuige in the laws to authorize them to give testimony against white men.
Mr. Hammond offer^ the following resolution: 'Besolved, that the House, having heard
the petition read, do decline to receive it or entertain any petition upon such subject from
such source. ' The resolution passed by a vote of 47 to 1. " In the same Journal (page 159)
the following appears: "Mr. Peachy introduced a memorial from citizens of South Caro-
lina and Florida, in reference to their removing to the State of California and bringing
their (slaves) property. Mr. Miller moved to refer to the special committee of thii^n
and that five hundred copies be printed." This resolution was enough to discourage
almost any other body of men except the Negro pioneers of California, who were just as
active the next year in the same cause as they had been the year previous.
In Bancroft's California History the following appears: "At the Legislative ses-
sion of 1853 W. C. Merdith, a Democrat from Tuolumne, presented a memorial to the
Assembly signed by Negroes, asking the repeal of the clause prohibiting the Negro per-
sons from testifying in the courts of justice where white persons are concerned. Instantly
one member moved to throw the memorial out of the window; another did not want the
Journal tarnished with such an infamous document. The chair reluctantly ruled the mo-
tion out of order, and an appeal was taken finally in the greatest excitement. The peti-
tion was rejected and the clerk instructed not to file it." Even this did not discourage
the Negro pioneers. They immediately proceeded to organize to fight it out and decided
to call a State convention. The following is an exact copy of their call:
"State Convention of the Colored Citizens of California, Brethren: — ^Your state and
condition in California is one of social and political degradation; one that is unbecoming
a free and enlightened people. Since you have left your homes and peaceful friends in
the Atfiintic States, and migrated to the shores of the Pacific, with the hopes of bettering
your eondition, you have met with one continued series of outrages, injustices, and unmit-
igated wrongs unparalleled in the history of nations. You are denied the right to become
owners of ti^e soil, that common inheritance which rewards our industry, the mainspring
of all human actions, which is to mankind in this world like the action of the sun to the
other heavenly bodies. You are compelled to labor and toil without any security that you
shall obtain your just earnings as an inheritance for yourself or your children in the land
of your birth.
"The Statute books and the common law, the great bulwaric of society, which should
be to us as the rivers of water in a dry place, like the shadow of a great rock in a weary
land, where the wretched should find sjrmpal^y and the weak protection, spurn us with
contempt and rule us from their very threshold and deny us a common humanity.
^'Then, in view of these wrongs which are so unjustly imposed upon us, and the
progress of the enlightened spirit of the age in which we live and the great duty that
we owe to ourselves and the generations that are yet to come, we call upon you to lay
aside your various avocations and assemble yourselves together on Tuesday, the 20th day
of November, A. D. 1855, in the city of Sacramento, at 10 A. M., for the purpose of de-
Yiaing the most judicious and effectual ways and means to obtain our inalienable rights
and privileges in California.
"AH of which is most respectfully submitted and signed.
"Jambs Cabteb, Sacramento
"J. H. TowNSEND, San Francisco
"Pbteb Andbbson, San Francisco
'^William H. Nbwby, San Francisco
"D. W. BuoGLBS, San Francisco
"J. B. Sandbbson, San Francisco,
"The Committee, San Francisco, September 27, 1855.
"Brerj Assembly District is recommended to send two delegates for every member
of the Assembly in the said district to the convention." Digitized by vj^v/vl\.
56 THE NBQBO TRAIL BLAZERS
The following is the CaHfordia legidatiTe reeordi in the Negroes' straggles for the
"Bight of Testimony" in the courts of justice in this State. The legidatiTe records for
the sessions of 1857 show that the Negroes in California sent to the Assembly no less
than seven petitions from as many counties. They were presented by the following Bep-
resentatives: McCallen, Eldorado county; Goodwin, Yuba county; Johnson, Sacramento
county; Crandall, Amador county; Cosby, Siskiyou county.
Ld a recent collection of papers discovered by the California Secretary to the Archives^
and owned by John T. Mason, of Downieville, is the following letter, written by Bev. J. B.
Sanderson to Mr. David Brown, of Marysville, in regard to the activities of the State
Executive Committee in the fight for the "Bight of Testimony" during the year 1856:
"Sacramento, March 20, 1856.
"Mr. David Brown: —
"Dear Sir: — I have today received a letter and petition from you with eighty-four
names. It is the second letter I have received from you. It is also the second petition*
We shall put the Sierra petition into the Assembly and, as no effort has been made yet to
bring the matter before that branch of the Legidature, your petition is quite in time.
"On Thursday, the 13th, Mr. Flint, of San Francisco, presented to the Senate tlie
petition for that county. The next day, the 14th, Mr. Fisk, of Eldorado, presented to the
Senate our petition from that county. The San Francisco petition had five hundred sig-
natures and the best men of the county. The Eldorado petition had sixteen hundred names,
a fine array, presenting an effective appearance. Both were received respectfully and
referred to the proper committee, the Judiciary. The Senator from Tuolumne, Mr. Cof-
froth, holds the petition containing eight hundred names for that county which he has
promised to present early. We hope to get the Sacramento petition before the Senate
immediately. Tomorrow I am to meet Mr. Ferguson, Senator from this county, and chair-
man of the Judiciary Committee. We do not control events, we hope Mr. Ferguson will
favor the presentation of our petition; being chairman, he can greatly control the action
of the Judiciary Committee in causing a biU proposing the specific change in the law to
be drafted, presented and commended to the acceptance of the Senate. We cannot tell
what will be done. The indications appear rather favorable and we hope for the best.
I may mention that Mr. Fisk told me today that he was preparing a bill for presentation
to the Senate which will embrace the subject of giving us the 'Bight of Testimony' in
the courts. I can only state the fact or language generally. I have not the time now to
say as much as I would like. We are all equally interested in this matter, you as mueh
as I; I no more than you, as a member of the State Executive Committee. I will do what
I can. Each member feels the same way.***May success crown the effort we are all
making for the 'Bight of Testimony.'
"Very respectfully yours,
"J. B. Sandkeson."
All these petitions were to repeal the law denying the Negroes then living in California,
the "Bight of Testimony" in the courts of justice where a white person was a party to
a suit.
The California Statutes of 1861, (chapter 467, page 521) reads: "An Act to amend
an act entitled an Act in Civil cases in the Courts of Justice in this State passed April 29,
1851. Approved May 18, 1861. The people of the State of California represented in
Senate and Assembly do enact as follows: Section 422 of an Act to regulate proceedings
in Civil cases in the Courts of the State, passed April 29, 1851, is hereby amended so as
to read as follows: 'Section 422. A person for whc*8e immediate benefit the action is
prosecuted or defended, though not a party to the action, may be examined as a witness
in the same manner and subjected to the same rules of examination as if he were named
as a party. And a party to an action or proceedings may be examined as a witness in his
own behalf the same as any other witness.* **This section shall not be held to impair or
in any way affect the existing provision of law by which persons of Indian or Negro blood
are excluded from being witnesses.' "
The section of the law preventing Negroes from being witnesses or testifying in the
courts of justice was known as Section 3M — ^Witness — ^Persons incompetent. Section 894
of the "CSvil Practice Act" provides: No Indian, or Negro, or persons having one-half
or more Indian blood and Negroes or persons having one-half or more of Negro blood,
shall be allowed to testify as a witness in action in which a white person is a party. Sec-
tion 14 of the "Criminal Act" provides that. No Black or Mulatto person or Indian shall
be allowed to give evidence in favor or against a white man.
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OF CALIFORNIA
57
DR. CLAUDIUS BALLARD
Awarded the Croix de Guerre in World's War.
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58
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
ATTORNEY CHARLES DARDEN
Land Litigation Specialist.
EDITOR JOS. B. BASS
Editor of the California Eagle
of Los Angeles.
PROF. CHARLES ALEXANDER
Editor, Author and Lecturer.
SIDNEY P. DONES
Investment Broker,
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OP CALIFORNIA 59
The Negro ^vas not the onlj person who was denied the ''Bight of Teetimony" in
the eonrts of justice; a case is recorded in California Reports, number 4, October, 1854,
page 399: The People, respondent, against George W. Hall, appellant. The appeUant, a
free white citizen of this State, was convicted of murder upon the testimony of a Chinese
witness, the point involved in the case is the admissibility of such evidence. The case was
tried before Chief Justice J. Murry and J. Heydenf eldt. The following is a part of the
decision: ''No Black or Mulatto person or Indian shall be allowed to give evidence in
favor of or against a white man. Held, that the word Indian, Negro, Black, and white
are generic terms designating races. That therefore Chinese and all other people not white
are included in the prohibition from being witnesses. The reader can readily see the great
difBenlty the Negroes as well as other races other than white, had to obtain a hearing in
court in pioneer days in California.
It is gratifying to the writer to have been able to quote from the letter by Mr. J. B.
Sanderson in regard to the number of names signed to the different petitions sent to the
Assembly of California in the struggle. It is quite evident that he mentioned the number
to give the reader of the letter the idea of the feeling of a large number of white people
in regard to the Negro's right to give testimony in the courts of justice. There #ere not
only a great many white people who were in favor of the "Bight of Testimony'^ for the
Negro, but they were not in the least backward in letting it 1m known that they were in
favor of the same, as the following quotation from the writings of Hon. John Archibald,
ehowB. He said: "Would to God my feeble words could have power to make my fellow
citizens reflect that the difference between the Englishman and the Bu88ian,***and the
Chinese and the Negro is one of degree, not of kind. That to draw a line anywhere be-
tween thorn is to make a wholly unfounded distinction. Let us give each individual the
treatment to which his character, his attainments entitle him, but let us never forget that
they are all of them men endowed with like capabilities, like faculties, like feelings with
ourselves. Let us make a beginning by restoring to them at once the 'Bight of Testimony'
and leave it to our juries to judge of the value of that testimony just as they do now.***
!F^nally, let us bring our State Constitution once more into accord with the glorious Dec-
laration of Independence, to which we so often and so fondly appeal, yet which our fathers
would have thought a monstrous abortion if it had contained any such clause as 'We hold
these truths to l^ self-evident, that all white men are created equal, that they are endowed
by their Creator with certain inalienable rights***."
The quotation just given was a very strong plea in favor of justice for the colored
people, and must have created a strong public sentiment which always helps members of
the Legislature in deciding the way to vote on any pressing measure. And yet while it
helped, still the efforts of the pioneer Negroes in blazing a trail for the present-day Ne-
groes in California were not successful untO after many more years of struggle for the
"Bight of Testimony" in the courts.
Hittell, in his "History of California" (vol. 4, page 340) says, in regard to the
"Bight of Testimony": "It was one of the glories of the Legislature of 1863 that it
made the first break in the illiberal and disgraceful provisions of the Legislature of 1850,
that no black or mulatto person or Indian should be permitted to give evidence in any
court of the State in an action in which a white person was a party. These provisions
reenacted in 1851 had been amended and enlarged in 1854, and in that shape they con-
tinued for nine years longer a foul blot upon the history of the country.
Two bills introduced into the Senate by Bichard *F. Perkins, of San Francisco, on
January, 1863, had for their object the removal of this inhibition against Negroes and
Mulattoes. They passed the Senate. In the Assembly Morris M. Estes introdu^ a sim-
ilar amendment to the effect that the testimony of Negroes and Mulattoes shall be disre-
garded unless corroborated in some material particular.'^
The bill referred to by Mr. HitteU in his history in regard to the "Bight of Testi-
mony" was introduced by Senator Bichard F. Perkins through the Fianchise League,
composed of colored people or, rather, colored pioneer men. The object of the bill framed
and introduced by Senator Perkins was to repeal those portions of the Civil and Criminal
Practice Acts which prohibited the "Bight of Testimony" in the courts of justice in
(^dif omia where white people were interested. He presented the bill at two different ses-
sions of the Legislature before he was successful in having it passed. Governor Leland
Stanford, a Bepublican, immediately signed it.
The following is a copy of the bill as introduced by Bichard F. Perkins, Senator and
Member of the 14th session of the California Legislature: "An Act to amend an act
entitled, An Act to regulate proceedings in Civil Cases in the Courts of Justice in this
State, passed April 29, 1851. Approved March 16, 1863. People of the State repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly. Section I.***Section 394 of the said act is hereby amended
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60 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
so as to read as follows: 'Section 394. The following persons shall not be witnesses: (1) —
Those of unsound mind at the time of their production for examination; (2) — chUdren
under six years of age who, in the opinion of the Court, appear incapable of reeehrin^
just impression of the facts respecting which they are examined or of rating them truth-
t^Jt (3) — Mongoliims, Chinese, Ind^ns or persons of one-half or more Indiui blood, in
an act or proceeSng where a white person is a party***This act shall take effect and be
in force on and after its passage. Section 14. No Indian or person with one-half or more
Indian blood, or Chinese shall give evidence in favor or against a white person.' "
There was great rejoicing among the colored people then living in California in regard
to their success in securing the "Bight of Testimony" in the courts of justice. The fol-
lowing is quoted from an old copy of the Pacific Appeal, of San Francisco, under date
of March 21, 1863: ''The Executive Committee of the Colored Convention met imme-
diately after the passage of the Testimony Bill, and passed resolutions of thanksgiving for
their hard-earned victory. They met in the church building on Scott Street, San Fran-
cisco. Solomon Penelton, through the recommendation of Peter A. Bell, moved that a spe-
cial committee be appointed. Mr. J. G. Wilson moved that a conmuttee of three would be
suficient. The committee was elected by the house. The following gentlemen were elected:
Alex Ferguson, J. B. Sanderson, Peter Anderson, F. G. Barbadoes and S. Howard. The
name of Mr. Yates, who was President of the first State Convention in 1855, and a con-
sistent, co-worker with the committee, upon the recommendation of Mr. Barbadoes, was
added to the committee.
"T. M. D. Ward was elected as president of this committee and Peter Anderson sec-
retary. The committee retired to the choir room to form the resolutions when Mr. James
Brown moved the propriety of publishing Mr. Barstow's speech in the Appeal, Mr. Barstow
delivered a forceful addross in the CaHf omia Assembly in behalf of tiie passage of the
Testimony BUI, March 4th, 1863."
After the adjournment of the Legislature the colored people living in San Francisco,
through the Contraband Belief Society, held a public meetmg, at which time they invited
Senato* Perkins to address them. The laws were not fully wiped off the Statutes until
1873.
In the California Beports, 1872-3; Tuttle No. 3372, People vs. McGuire: "Testi-
mony of a Chinese or Mongolian witness is not admissible under existing' laws a^nst
white persons. After the first of January, 1873, when the codes take effect, no witness
will be excluded in any case on account of nationality or color."
Homestead Laws
The few colored people living in California were anxious to obtain homes. It is true
that a few were hustlers and had secured homes, but in every new country a few men and
women are willing to pioneer and take up homestead land. Under the laws of California
the colored people were not allowed homestead rights. There are people today who won-
der why relatives of pioneer families of color are not wealthy.
The Homestead law was passed in 1851 and again February 4, 1860.
This bill, like all the others of ite kind, was discussed among the people of color,
resulting in their calling a convention. This convention debated especisdly the "Bight
of Testimony," because if the word of a colored person would not be tsJcen in court, they
might purchase land and yet be defrauded out of it. Section 2 of the Homestead law reads:
"Whenever any white man or female resident in this State shall desire to avail him-
self or herself of the benefits of this act, such person shall make a written application to
the county judge of the county in which the land is situated."
This same bill was brought up in the Legislature of 1860, and the Senate and Assem-
bly passed toncurrent resolutions February 4th, 1860, which read: "Besolved by the
Assembly, the Senate concurring, that our Senators in Congress be instructed and our Bep-
resentatives requested to use their influence to procure the passage of a law by Congress
donating to each bona fide settler on the public agricultural lands within the State, l^ing
a free white person over the age of twen^rone years and a citizen of the United States;
who shall have become such a homestead community of one hundred and sixty acres or
more after a continuous residenee and oeeupatioik thereof for ftve years."
By the wording of the Homestead law a colored man could not acquire a homestead
plot of land. He might even purchase a home and yet if a white person should claim the
land, a colored person could not go into court and testify in his own behalf. The records
in the following case will prove the statement, and also the necessity for the Negroes to
fight for the "Bight of Testimony" in the courts. This case will also explain that the
persons of color £d not often accumulate fortunes because of the fact that they spent
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OP CALIPOBNIA 61
about all they were able to aequire in fighting adyene legislation, that they might Uto in
the beautiful, bafany atmosphere of California.
The papers published among the pioneer Negroes in California were of a high type
and are really historical gems for their painstaking records of events of vital interest to
the Negro. The following is quoted from a copy of the Pacific Appeal, San Francisco,
May 80, 1868:
'''An interesting land case. The colored man has rights which the Government respects.
We publish a transcript of an interesting and important correspondence between the Beg-
ister of the Land Office at MarysviUe and the Commissioner of the Gtoeral Land Of^ce at
Washington, D. C. The Begister appointed for the MarysviUe Land District, Mr. A. J.
Snyder, finding that there were several cases in this jurisdiction of Negroes claiming rights
on public domain, and believing that these ought to be allowed, submitted the following
test case to the department at Washington, D. C.
'' 'United States Land Office,
"'MarysviUe, CaUfomia, Feb. 3, 1863.
" 'Sir — Benjamin Berry, a colored man, settled upon the southwest quarter of Sec-
tion No. 12, of T. 13, N. B. 4 E., has this day applied to me for advice and reUef in
eertain matters pertaining to his claim to said land.
" 'The facts from hhi own statements and the enclosed affidavit appear to be that the
elaimant was originaUy a slave, bom in Kentucky, taken to Missouri and then sold to a
man by the name of HaUoway, with whom he came to this State. This was about 1850.
Here he performed services supposed to be equivalent to $3000 and obtained his freedom.
He then settled on this land now claimed by him, erected improvements and has continued
to reside there as an actual bona fide settler upon the pubUc land. He is now old, being
sixty-seven years of age. Within the last three years he has married. It appears f^om
the file of this office l£at his settlement was made long prior to the survey upon unoccu-
pied vacant public land. Since his settlement certain parties, taking advantage of his
legal disabiUties, have attempted to acquire title to the land claimed by him through the
State as portion of the five hundred acre grant. Such claims have not as yet be^ per-
fected. It is feared that the parties now claiming adverse to Berry wUl proceed to eject
him by an action in the State courts,* and his appUcation is made to your office for some
mode of reUef by which Berry, who has settled and improved this public land in good
faith, may be protected in his improvements and occupancy.
" 'I have asked your careful consideration of the case and an equitable ruling at
your very earliest convenience.
" 'I am, sir,
" 'Very respectfuUy your obedient servant,
" «A. J. Snydkb.
" 'To the Honorable J. M. Edmonds, Commissioner.' *'
Answer : " 'General Land Office, March 12, 1868.
** 'Begister of Land Office, MarysviUe, California: —
" 'Sir: Your letter of third of February last covering an affidavit of Edward E.
Thurman and in relation to the case of Benjamin Berry, a free man of color, is received
and in reply thereto I have to state that the Attorney General of the United States in an
elaborate opinion published the 29th of November, 1862, upon the subject of rights of
free persons of color to citizenship under the Constitution of the United States, declares:
"The free man of color, if bom hi the United States, is a citizen of the United States."
The administration of the business of tUs department wiU conform to the above opinion
and you wiU therefore have no difficulty in disposing of the ease in hand.
" 'The man Berry, upon making proper proof of his being a free man and bom in
the United States, wiU be entitled to the benefit of the Preemption Laws as also of the
Homestead Laws. Of course he can purchase with money without regards to eitizeoiship.
" 'Should there be adverse rights in the above case, you wiU give the parties due
notice, and a fuU hearing.
" 'Very respectfuUy,
" 'Your obedient servant,
" ' JosKPH S. Wilson, Acting Commissioner.' *'
In commenting on this land case the editor of the Pacific Appeal said: "Under this
straightforward and just ruling Berry wiU be able to secure his rights and maintain pos-
session of the land he has improved and occupied for so many years. His place is near
Johnson's ranch on Bear river and he wiU obtain a quarter section as a homestead. Here-
tofore colored men have been forcibly ezpeUed from portions of the pubUc domain^ P^ch
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62 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
ihej had izi^>royed and paid taxes upon. In this district that class of our citizens being
now assured of protection hj a goyemment which, even in the midst of a great eiyil war,
finds time to do justice to the humblest individual, colored people should hasten to make
themselves independent by entering on the unoccupied public lands where they can become
independent."
The above case will give the reader an idea of the greatest reason for the rejoidng
of the Negro people in Calif omia in regard to tiie passage of the Perkins ''Bight of Tes-
timony" bilL It was a sincere celebration because it meant much to them since, even if
life in beautiful California was a constant struggle, they liked the climate and realised
the possibilities of the then young State. But they also wished to own homes and, as they
were pioneers, felt entitled to the homestead privileges which they could not enjoy like
others coming to this faraway western land.
ELBCnVE FBANCmSE
"I see the future rise before me,
The glory of the coming man.**
The colored people did not pause in their activities because of their success in securing
the Bight of Testimony. They were anxious to become full citizens and enjoy the Elective
franchise, and issued a call for a convention to work for the passage of a legislative
amendment to the Constitution of the State of California. The following is an exact copy
of their caU for a State Convention of the Colored Citizens of the State of California:
''The undersigned, believing at this time the wisdom, the virtue, the learning, the wealth
and the prestige of our people should assemble in convention to deliberate on the political
and educational intent, hereby request our leading men throughout the State to make
arrangements to effect the same.
"A. Waddy,
"President of public meeting in May 26, 1864.
"Geobob W. Dennis
"Wm. BuRBifll, Vioe-presidenU."
This call for a convention in the effort to secure the franchise was the very first made
along that line and too much credit cannot be given to these few men. In this convention
there was a committee named from every county in the State, whose duty was to have
the Senator or Bepresentative of the Legislature living in their district to present a peti-
tion to the Legislature praying for the Elective Franchise.
The law they wished amended so as to give them the right of suffrage read:
"Article 2, Section I, of the Constitution of the State of California. Every white male
citizen of the United States and every white male citizen of Mexico who shall have elected
to become a citizen of the United States under the Treaty of Peace exchanged and rati-
fied at Quoritire on the 30th of May, 1848, of the age of twenty-one years who shall have
been a resident of the State six months next preceding the election, and of the county and
district in which he claims his vote thirty days, shall be entitled to vote at all elections
which are now or hereafter may be authorized by law; provided, that nothing herein con-
tained shall be construed to prevent the Legislature, by a two-thirds concurring « vote, from
admitting to the right of suffrage Indians or the descendants of Indians in such special
cases as a portion of the legislative body may deem just and proper."
In the Senate Journal under date 1865-6 the following appears: "Petition and
Bemonstration presented by Benton Memorial to the Legislature of California from a com-
mittee on Elective Franchise, attested by the president and secretary of the colored con-
vention, recommending an amendment to the Constitution of the State of California. In
accordance with the above, Mr. Benton submitted a proposed amendment, which was placed
on file and ordered printed:
" 'The Legislature of the State of California at its sixteenth session, commencing
on the 4th day of December, 1865, proposed the following amendment to Section I, of Ar-
ticle — , of the Constitution:
* ' * Abticlb — , Bight of Suffrage
" 'Senate Bill Number 417, Section I. Every male citizen of the United States, of
the age of twenty-one years, who shall have been a resident of the State six months next
preceding the election and of the county or district in which he offers his vote thirty days,
shall be entitled to vote at all elections which are now or hereafter may be authorized, to
pass such laws for the registration of voters as may be necessary for the more effectual
providing against frauds upon the Elective Franchise. Digitized by V3*^v/vik.
OP CALIFORNIA 63
" 'Bead the first and seeond times and sent to the Judicial Committee.'
**The object of this bill was defeated by the introduction of a bill hj Senator Haws
asking for 'An act to provide for the registration of all the citizens of the State and
for the enrollment in several election districts of all the legal voters thereof and for the
prevention and ponishment of frauds affecting the Elective Franchise.' Mr. EEager
offered an amendment (page 228) Section 9: 'Before the word **Ck)unty Clerk" in line
tax of the printed bill insert the following: "Provided, if any person claiming to be a
native-bom citizen, shall make affidavit or claim under oath that he was bom in the
United States, giving the time and place of his birth, such affidavit shall be received as
proof of his citizenship." ' Mr. Montgomery moved to reconmut the bill with the fol-
lowing special instruction: 'Providing, if any person claiming to be an elector shaU make
oath or affidavit that he is a white male citizen of the United States of twenty-one years
of age, and had been a resident of the State six months, next preceding, and of the county
or district in which he claimed his vote, shaU be sufficient to be registered.' Bill passed
by vote of Ayes, 24; Noes, 7."
The Elective Franchise, like all the other rights obtained by the pioneers of the Negro
race in California, was not obtained without a struggle. But they were equal to the task,
and year after year sent petitions to the Legislature in an effort to secure the object of
the passage of a bill giving them this right. The entire male population of colored resi-
denters in the State were earnest and sincere in their desire to obtain the right of suffrage.
In 1865 they organized what was afterward known as the Executive Committee of the
Colored Convention. This committee became a permanent organization, the aim of which
was published in the following Negro papers: San Francisco Elevator and the Pacific
Appeal. The following is quoted from The Elevator, under date of January 24, 1865,
Editor Phillip A. Bell: "The Executive Committee appointed at a meeting of the col-
ored citizens of San Francisco on the 24th of January, 1865, presented the following ad-
dress explaining the origin and object of their appointment: 'The difficulties which
attended our celebration on the first of January and indifference too often evinced by the
people generally in public affairs, induced many to believe that a permanent organization
or an Executive Committee, appointed by the people for one year, and a similar committee
elected each year, was necessary for the better conduct of public business, such as calling
meetings on important occasions and to take a general supervision of public Affairs. At
a meeting held on the sixth of January, 1865, to hear the final report of the celebration
committee, a motion was made to elect an Executive Committee of thirteen members. A
nominating committee was appointed who reported at a subsequent meeting of which
notice was given. That meeting confirmed the selection made by the nominating commit-
tee; object for which the committee was appointed, will need money. Hence they proposed
establishing a permanent fund to carry out these objects. We therefore recommend that
subscriptions be given by citizens generally to aid us in our operations. Yfe also recom-
mend that similar committees be organized throughout the State with whom we shall be
in correspondence so that on important subjects, either political or moral, we might act in
unison. The advantage arising from a connection between the different sections of the
country is obvious.
" * A* State Central Committee might be formed through whose agency the work of
inviting the people in all important measures of reform may be consummated.
" 'Executive Committee of San Francisco: W. H. Tates, Henry Collins, Wm. H.
Hall, J. P. Dyer, J. Madison Bell, Edward W. Parker, D. W. Buggies, John F. Meshaw,
F. G. Barbadoes, President; S. Peneton, Vice-president; B. H. ]£ill, Corresponding Sec-
retary; J. B. Starky, Treasurer; Shadrick Howard, Becording Secretary. Publicity Com-
mittee, Equality before the law: Wm. H. Yates, James B. Starkey, B. A. Hall, J. P.
Dyer, F. G. Barbadoes, S. Hall, P. A. BeU.' ''
The Executive Committee used every means within its power to obtain the passage
of an amendment to the State Constitution, with success. In July there was another con-
vention called. This call was issued by the Phoenixonia Institute of San Jose, California.
This Institute was organized first as a private school December 22, 1863, by the Bev.
Cassey for the religious, moral, and political improvement of the colored people of the
State. Among the active members of this convention were mentioned the names of such
weQ-known pioneers of color as the Honorable Peter ^ell, of San Francisco, Andrew Bris-
tol, also of San Francisco, James Floyd, A. J. White, G. A. Smith, S. J. Marshal, Bev.
Cassey, Mrs. Wm. A. Smith, all of whom were residents of San Jose. Besolutions were
drafted at this convention in regard to education, industrial pursuits and the Elective
Franchise. These resolutions were intended to give courage to the colored people living
in the State. The part in relation to suffrage was as follows: Digitized by V3«^v/vl\^
64 THE NEGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
"SuvntAGB
''BeeolTed, that while the mind of every patriotie stateeman is follj arouMd to the
question of impartial suffrage as the only guarantee of libertj, it is our duty and oar
privilege to make known our wishes and our claims to all that bdong to American dtizen-
ship;
''Besolvedy that an agent should be appointed to canvass the State, not only to solicit
aid for the school, but to awaken an interest in political matters, the first of which will
be to secure the right of suffrage;
''Besolved, that a competent rei^resentative gentleman, one who will worthily repre-
sent our people, be employed for the above mentioned purpose who shall receive a sufficient
percental to enable him successfully to perform his mission."
In October, 1867, the colored people of the State through the Executive Committee
of San Francisco, drafted a petition and sent to the Legislature, praying the right of
suffrage. The foUowing is a copy of it as given in an issue of the Elevator of that date,
although it was published in both the colored papers in San Francisco. The agents of
the two papers were instructed to obtain the signature of all colored male citisens of
voting age in every county and send them to the Exeeative Committee at San Francisco,
who would see to the forwarding of it to the Legislature at the proper time. The call
was issued Oct. 18, 1867, and the names of the signers to the petition were published
every wedc in these two colored papers in San Francisco until the Legislature was pre-
sented with the same.
**Th« Petition
**To the Honorable Senate and Assembly of the State of California in Legislature assem-
bled:^
"The petition of the colored citizens of California respectfully showeth that your
petitioners are native-bom American citizens of full age and of average intelligence. Thej
are acquainted with the Laws and Constitution of the (General State Governments and are
noted for being a law-abiding class, respectful of all the statutes of the land, and ren-
dering due obedience to the powers that be. They are taxpayers and willingly render all
the aid and assistance in their power to support the Oovemment and institutions of the
country. But by the organic law of this State your petitioners are deprived of the rights
of suffrage and we would respectfully pray that your honorable bodies recommend to the
people of this State an alteration of the Constitution by the addition of a clause to the
first section of Article 2 of the said Constitution, in the following words to-wit: —
*' 'Provided, that nothing therein contained shall be construed to prevent the Legis-
lature by a two-thirds concurring vote from admitting to the right of suffrage colored
American citizens in such special cases as such a proportion of the Legislature may deem
just and proper, and for the prosperity of the State, the perpetuity of our Government
and institutions and for the health and happiness and harmony of your honorable bodies,
your petitioners will ever pray.'
''Signed by the Executive Committee of the Colored Convention.
''San Francisco, Oct. 18, 1867.''
Abraham Lincoln, while President of the United States, in a letter to Governor
Michael Hahn, of Louisiana, in regard to the Elective Franchise for colored people, after
congratulating the Governor as the "First Free State Governor of Louisiana," proceeded
to say: "Now you are about to have a convention which among other things will prob-
ably define the Elective Franchise, I barely suggest, for your private consideration, whether
some of the colored people may not be let in, as, for instance, the very intelligent and
especially those who have fought gallantly in our ranks. They will probably help in some
trying time to come, to keep the 'Jewel of Liberty' within the family of freisdom. But
tlds is only a suggestion, not to the public, but to you alone." The writer was especially
happy to have dScovered this letter, since it has benen said that the Honorable Fred Doug-
lass, the great Negro orator, ex-slave and a tireless worker for his race, at the time of
the Civil War when the crisis seemed to be turning the wrong way for the Union Army,
went to the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, and plead that he use
Negro slaves and make them soldiers to fight for the salvation of the country and after-
ward reward them by giving them fuU citizenship.
The right of franchise for the Negro in California was won after years of earnest
work not only by the Executive Committee, but by many others. The colored people in
California did not obtain the right of suffrage until after the Constitutional Amendment
to the Constitution of the Unit^ States, which read: "Constitutional Amendment to the
United States Constitution, Article 15, Section I. The right of citizens of the United
States to vote shall not be denied or abridged in the United State8|ti:i^j 9^D^tJ^^#tfkl9 on
OP CALIFORNIA 65
aeeonnt of race, color or previous condition of servitude. Section 2. Congress shall have
power to enforce this artide by appropriate legislation.
''Beceived hj the Department of State, Feb. 27, 1869."
PrivOeges to ride in street cars in California: The testing of the privilege to ride
in street cars bj persons of color was the most interesting occurrence in San Francisco
in the year 1864. In an issue of the San Francisco BuUetin of that year appeared the
following article by a person signing himself ''A Virginian:"
<<I am not an Abolitionist, nor do I approve of the President's Emancipation Proc-
lamation, but I do think that in a State pretending to be free the colored people should
be allowed a few more privileges than they enjoy in a slave State, therefore I am sur-
prised that such an outrage should occur as I read in last evening's BuUetin, where three
women were ejected from the cars for no other offense than that of being colored.
"Who was contaminated by their presence, or who would have suffered if these three
persons had been allowed to ride to their journey's endf Now I claim to be a Christian
and a southerner, yet I would rather sit near a decent black man in the cars (or anywhere
else) than to have a big bloated white fellow sit near, breathing his whiskey and tobacco
in my face. But such people are free white American citisens and use up so much liberty
that there is none left for anybody else***It is this class who think they can only show
their own liberty by encroaching upon that of others.
"In conclusion I sincerely hope that the liberality and common sense of this beautiful,
free and Christian community may prevail in this matter and that all respectable colored
people may be allowed to avail themselves of the cars whenever desired.
"Signed, A Viminian."
This letter demonstrated the spirit and feeling of a large number of white people
of that date living in California. In the writer's research work in the interest of tins
history, she had the pleasure of talking to one of the three women mentioned in this article,
a Mrs. Louise Tyler. She is now an inmate of the "Home for Aged and Infirm Colored
People," located at Beulah, California, near Oakland. She said that she, together with
Jifammy Pleasant, Mrs. Bivins and Laura Clark, were coming home from church one Sun-
day and, becoming very tired of the tramp over the hills and sand dunes to their homes
at North Beach and Baker street, they decided to walk in front of the street cars, where-
upon the car stopped and Mrs. Tyler, being a Mulatto and looking much like a foreigner,
vras allowed to ride; but the others of the party were dark and the conductor pushed them
off the car. This was no new occurrence for the conductors to treat colored people thus.
They had been compelled to suffer such treatment for years. There was in the party a
woman who was not afraid to go into the courts with a grievance. That person was
"Mammy Pleasant." She immediately sought counsel and then attempted to ride in
the street cars, whereupon she was again pushed off. Through the advice of her counsel
she had a hack following the car with her attorney in it and some white people in the
ear to act as her witnesses to the treatment accorded her by the conductor. She was
pushed off the street car to the street and the hackman who was following the car imme-
diately quickened his speed and stopped and through the assistance of her white friends
on the street car they lifted her into the hack and drove away. "Mammy Pleasant" en-
tered suit against the street railroad company and won damages.
There were many occurrences afterward against the colored people riding in the
street cars until a suit was brought against the street railway company by a Mr. Brown
and his daughter, Miss Charlotte Brown, who afterward became Mrs. Biker. This suit,
through their attorney, Mr. Burnett, was won. Judge Owens in his decision was very
severe and settled for all time the rights of colored people to ride in street cars' in any
part of California.
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CHAPTER IX
Slavery in California. The Beginning op Slavery
The subject of "Slayery in California" is far reaching, and to be folly onderstood
the reader will have to review California nnder Spain. The Crown of Castile governed
through conquest or discovery many colonies in the Western Hemisphere, namely: South
America, Hispaniola, Mexico and California, which at one time was considered Mexican
territory.
The King of Spain had very liberal slave laws governing the Negro slaves. A splendid
history of these has been given by Sir Arthur Helps in his ** Slavery in the Spanish Col-
onies," in which he says: ''The Boyal Historiographer, Herrera, speaks of the King
having informed the Admiral Don Diego Columbus^ in 1510, that he had given orders to
the officials at SeviUe that they should send fifty Negroes to work in the mines of IBs-
paniola. In June, 1511, there is a sentence in one of the King's letters addressed to a
man by the name of Sampler, who held office in the colony about the Negroes***' I do not
understand how so many Negroes have died. Take much care of them.' In October of
the same year there is an order from the King to his officials at Seville authorizing them
to pay Ledesma, one of the Boyal Pilots, what was due him fof the last voyage he had
made at the Bang's command to carry Negroes to Hispaniola.
"The Jeromite Fathers had also come to the conclusion that Negroes must be intro-
duced into the West Indies. Writing in January, 1518, they recommended license to be
given to the inhabitants of Hispaniola or to other persons to bring Negroes there.***
Zuajo, the Judge of the residencia and the legal colleague of Las Casas, wrote to the
same effect. He, however, suggested that the Negroes should be placed in settlements
and married."
The reader will find it of interest to review the colonization scheme of Las Casas.
This has been quoted from Sir Arthur Helps, in which he said: "Las Casas prepared
his memorial tiJdng for his basis the plan which the Jeromites had carried out to His-
paniola and which they had partially acted upon. He added, however, some other things,
among them, that of securing to the Indians their entire liberty. And he provided a
scheme for furnishing Hispaniola with laborers from the mother country. ***The King
was to give to every laborer willing to emigrate to Hispaniola his living during the jour-
ney from his place of abode to Seville at the rate of half a real a day throughout the
journey for great and small, child and parent. At Seville the emigrants were to be lodged
in Casa de Construccion and were to have from eleven to thirteen maravedis a day. From
thence they were to have free passage to Hispaniola and to be provided with food for a
year. If the climate should try them so much that at the expiration of this year they
should not be able to work for themselves, the King was to continue to maintain them.
But the extra maintenance was to be put down to the account of the emigrants as a loan
which they were to repay.
"The King was to give them lands of his own lands, furnish them with plowshares
and spades and provide medicine for them. Lastly, whatever rights and profits accumu-
lated from their holdings were to become hereditary. They were certainly most liberal
plans of emigration and, in addition, there were other privileges held out as inducements
to these laborers in connection with the above scheme* **added another provision, namely,
that each Spanish resident in the island should have license to import a dozen Negro
slaves. The origin of this suggestion was, as he informs us, that the colonist had told
him that if license were given Qiem to import a dozen Negro slaves each, they (the col-
onists) would then set free the Indians and so, recollecting the statement, he added this
proviso."
Sir Arthur Helps further states in regard to laws affecting free Negroes and Ne-
gresses:^ "The earliest laws that declared the ground on which the Negroes could demand
their liberty dates from 1528.***That many Negroes did obtain their liberty may be
inferred from the fact of there being several laws ^ving reference to free Negroes enacted,
for instance, what tribute they should pay and vrith whom they should live, and command-
ing that free Negresses unless married to Spaniards, should not wear gold ornaments,
pearls or silks." This will illustrate how the Spaniards in every instance honored their
blood. They married their Negresses who happened to be slaves, thereby legalizing their
children, as will be seen by the following law enacted in regard to children l^m to
Spaniards with Negresses as wives. This law reads: "Provision is also made that in
'^^ ^ Digitized by VJ^^^^VIV^
OF CALIFORNIA 67
the sale of the ehildren of Spaniards and NegreBses, their parents shaU have a right of
pre-ezemption. ' '
''In later times under the admirable administration of Count Florida Blanea, during
,the reign of Charles the Third, of Spain, it is evident that Negroes were treated humanelT*
and were cared for bj the government, being taught to read and write and having th&
privilege of purchasing their freedom, and also the power of getting themselves trans-
ferred to another master if their own had been guilty of cruelty to them." These laws
in regard to slavery in the Spanish colonies were applicable to the West Indies and Mex-
ico. California was a part of the territory of Mexico, hence these laws controlled the
slavery of California. It is now that we come to the subject of ''Slavery in California."
The reader will readily say "California was always a Free State. It was free ter-
ritory when purchased by the United States from Mexico. ' ' It can perhaps be more clearly
understood why it was free territory if you first survey the struggle carried on by England
for thirty years to abolish the slave trade throughout the world. "During the period
between 1814 and 1845, there were many conventions held and treaties signed between
England and the different slave countries. There was one treaty signed in 1817 with
Spain, the Treaty of Madrid, engaging that slave trade shall be abolished throughout the
entire dominion of Spain on the 30th of May, 1820, restricting the Spanish trade in the
meantime to the south of the Equator and also confining it to the Spanish Dominions.
Spain promised, by the treaty of September 30, 1817, to abolish the slave trade entirely
October 31, 1820, in all Spanish territories, even south of the line."
This treaty did not abolish slavery in the Spanish colony of Mexico. In after years
this colony declared her independence from Spain and, in 1829, Guerrero, the President of
Mexico, issued the following decree: "Desiring to signalize the year 1829, the anniver-
sary of our independence from Spain, by an act of national justice and beneficence that
may turn to the benefit and support of such a valuable good; that may consolidate more
and more public tranquility; that may co-operate to the aggrandizement of the Republic,
and return to an unfortunate portion of its inhabitants those rights which they hold from
nature and that the people protect by wise and equitable laws, in conformity with the 30th
article of the Constitutive Act.
"Making use of the extraordinary faculties which have been granted to the executive
I thus decree: 'Slavery is forever abolished in the BepublicI***And, in order that the
present decree may have its full and entire execution, I order it printed, published and
circulated to all those whose obligation it is to have it fulfilled.'
"Given in the Federal Palace of Mexico, 15th of September, 1829."
"In 1835 England made another treaty with Spain, the treaty of Madrid, abolishing
slave trade henceforth on the part of Spain, totally and finally in all parts of the world,
and regulating right of search reciprocally." There was still slavery in parts of Mexico
and California, which resulted in England succeeding in abolishing it through a treaty
signed at Mexico City. In a few years after the signing of this treaty, Texas, which was
a part of Mexican territory, seceded and was known as "The Republic of Texas."
"In 1845, by a joint resolution of both houses of the United States Congress, a por-
tion of the United States Army under General Taylor was, early in the spring of 1846,
moved down to the east bank of the Bio Grande del Norte, claimed by Texas as her west-
em boundary, but not so regarded by Mexico. A hostile collision ensued resulting in war
between the United States and Mexico. It was early thereafter deemed advisable that a
considerable sum should be placed by Congress at the President's disposal to negotiate
an advantageous treaty of peace and limits with the Mexican government. A message to
this effect was submitted by President Polk to Congress August 8, 1846, and a bill in
accordance with its suggestion laid before the House, which proceeded to consider the sub-
ject in committee of the whole. The bill appropriated $30,000 for immediate use in nego-
tiating with Mexico, and placing $20,000 at the disposal of the President to be employed
in making peace.
"Mr. David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, offered the following proviso in addition to
the first section of the bill: 'Provided, that an express and fun^kmental condition to the
acquisition of any territory from the Republic of Mexico by the United States, by virtue
of any treaty which may be negotiated between them and to the use by the Executive of
the money herein appropriated, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist in any
part of the said territory except for the punishment of crime, when the party shall first
be duly convicted.' This proviso was carried in committee by a vote of 84 to 63, but
was lost in the Senate. A similar resolution was introduced by a Mr. Putnam, of New
York, on February 8, 1847, at the session of the 30th United States Congress. The reso-
hition said: 'Whereas, in the settlement of the difficulties pending between this country
68 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
and Mexieo, territory may be acquired in which slavery does not now eziat, and whereas,
Ck>ngre88 in the orgajuzation of a territorial government at an early period of onr politieal
history, established a principle worthy of imitating in all future time forbidding the
existence of slavery in free territory, therefore; Beeolved, that in any territory that may
be acquired from Mexico over which shall be established territorial government, shivery
nor involuntary serritude, except for the punishment of crime, whereof the party shall
have. been duly convicted, shall be forever prohibited, and that in any act or resolution
establishing such government a fundamental proviso ought to be inserted to that effect.' "
The reader has but to refer to the above quotation in regard to the different treaties
made by England with Spain to fully understand that the territory of California, as it
was then known, was free soil for nearly nineteen years before its cession to the United
States Government in 1848. It was this knowledge that gave the pioneers, who came to
California and were opposed to slavery, the courage to fight to oppose and forever keep
California free soil.
The greatest question with the Spaniards and Mexicans was to extend commerce.
"Cortez, when he discovered California, immediately transported three hundred Negro
slaves to build ships." The following pages will prove that there was slavery in CaHfomia,
although it has been a great surprise to many persons to learn that slavery in any form
ever existed in this State. There never were plantations of Negro slaves, but slavery was
carried on here up to the early Seventies. The military rulers and a large number of the
residents were opposed to slavery and did not fail to give their views to the public through
the press and in every available manner open to them in those pioneer days in California.
The following extract which has been quoted from one of the very first newspapers issued
in California, and also the proclamation issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the port of
Yerba Buena (now known as San Francisco) both speak in the strongest terms against
the introduction of shivery. And yet immediately following these published statements,
the writer will give abundant proof that slavery did exist with all its horrors, by court
records of slaves being returned to slavery, and by Freedom Papers issued by the courts,
after the Negro slave had paid the price for his freedom. These records will also show
that they paid more for their freedom in California than would have been demanded of
them elsewhere. The proclamation was as follows:
''A Pboglamation to the Inhabitants or California
''It having come to the knowledge of the Commander-in-Chief of the district that cer-
tain persons liave been and still are imprisoning and holding to service Indians against
their will and without any legal contract for service;
''It is therefore ordered that all persons so holding or detaining Indians shall release
them and permit them to return to their own homes unless they can make a contract with
them which shall be acknowledged before the nearest Justice, which contract shall be bind-
ing upon both parties. The Indian population must not be regarded in the light of slaves.
But it is deemed necessary that the Indians within the settlement shall have employment
with the right of choosing their own master and employment. Having made such choice
they must abide by it, unless they can obtain permission in writing to leave, or the Justice
in their complaint shall consider they have just cause to annul the contract, and permit
them to obtain another employer.
"AU Indians must be required to obtain service and not be permitted to wander about
the country in idleness in a dissolute manner. If found doing so they will be liable to
arrest and punishment by labor on the public works at the direction of the Magistrate.
All officers, Civil or Military, under my command are required to execute the terms of this
order and take notice of every violation thereof.
"Given at headquarters in Yerba Buena.
"Signed, John Montgomery.
"September 15, 1846.
"Published for the Government for all concerned.
"Washinqton a. Bartlstt,
"Magistrate of San Francisco, California."
The following appeared in the editorial department of the California Star (B. B.
Buckley, Editor) under date of March 15, 1848:
""W^ have recently heard it intimated that an effort would be made in the United
States Congress to introduce California into the American Union as a slave-holding terri-
tory. We do not believe that such should be the case, and we cannot think that a slave
institution will unceremoniously be transferred to our soil by the J^^^'^^^^^o. Jf^fP ^
OP CALIFORNIA 69
be friends of California. We^have not heard one among our acquaintances in this eount7
advocate the measure, and we are almost certain ninetj-nine out of a hundred of the
present population are opposed to it. We entertain reasons why slavery should not be
introduced here.
''First — ^It is wrong for it to exist anywhere. Second — ^Not a single instance of
precedent exists at present in the shape of physical bondage of our fellow-man. Third —
There is no excuse whatsoever for its introduction into tMs country. But very few sec-
tions are unhealthy at any season of the year and none so much but that hardy white
population can soon eradicate all causes of climatic diseases. Intermittent fever or fever
and ague is the only disease that prevails during any part of the year and only in the
San Joaquin Valley and some sections of the Sf^ramentOy and this, with the settling of
dense population, proper drainage and cultivation will effectually remove. We have often
seen Negroes shake as heartily as the whites and precisely as we did during a six months'
siege in the days of our childhood in the vicinity of a stagnant pond in healthy Long
Is£nd, in the State of New York; which is proof sufficient for us to decide that neither
Negroes, whites, Galifomians nor Long Islanders require any labor comparison to justify
slavery here on account of climate or physical endurance. Fourth — Negroes have equal
rights to life, liberty, health, and happiness with the whites, and if slavery is ever intro-
duced here we hope the law, at least the rule, will be established to have the whites and
the blacks to serve one another year about. Beciprocity could not be anything but fair.
Fifth — It is every individual's duty to self and to society to be occupied in useful employ-
ment, sufficient to gain self-support.* **Eighth — ^We left the slave States because we did
not like to bring up a family in a miserable 'Gan't-help-one's-self condition,' which fate
would be inevitable to a family of any kind of self respect surrounded by slavery. In
conclusion, we dearly love the Union, but declare our positive preference for the inde-
pendent condition of California to the establishment of any degree of slavery or even the
Importation of free blacks."
The reader has been given the proof that slavery was not encouraged in California,
and yet when the evidence in this chapter is read it is difficult to understand the situation
except as a result of the determination of the Southern slaveholders to extend slavery.
The reliable California historian, the late Theodore Hittell, when questioned as to
the reason why he had stated in his history of Califomia that the first slave in California
was brought here in 1825, when the wife of Antonio Jose de Cot, a Spaniard, brought with
her a slave girl named Juana, aged 14 years, from Lima to San Francisco, he doubted
even then that this was the first slave. Mr. Hittell arose from his chair and replied:
'^Well, there Were some gentlemen who brought to Califomia their slaves and allowed them
the privilege of working for their freedom and should be commended for it." The writer
then read from her manuscript of the Mulatto slave, Ignacio Bamirez, who died on the
San Antonio, and whose funeral was the first Christian burial, according to the Holy Cath-
oHe Church, in all of California. This slave was buried in the cemetery at San Carlos
Mission, and the President, Father Junipero Sena, with a community of twenty-three
Friars officiating. If the reader will consult the chapter on the ''First Settlers on the
Pacific Coast" he will find the names of many Negro slaves. The greatest number of
slaves were brought to this coast after the discovery of gold in Califomia.
The following quotation will give a true attitude of the slave when told he could
come to Califomia and work for his freedom:
''Behind I left the whips and chains.
Before me was sweet Freedom's plains."
The poor Negro slaves, as they started with their masters to Califomia, thought only
of the opportunily to work for their freedom. They were used to hardships, '^^lat did
it matter if the road be long, full of dangers and obstacles f The one thought that fired
their brains was that on the other side of the mountains were "sweet Freedom's plains."
Personal Sketches or Slaves
"Mr. Ceorge Washington Dennis arrived in San Francisco, California^, September
17, 1849. He came with the gamblers yrho opened the Eldorado Hotel, which was a tent
30x100 feet, brought from New Orleans.' They ran a Faro Bank and a Monte Qame. Ten
tables were going night and day. The tables were played during the day by men and at
night by women. The hotel was located at the comer of Washington and Keamey streets,
the present Hall of Justice now occupies this place. Mr. Dennis was brought here as a
slave by Green Dennis, a slave trader from Mobile, Alabama. Joe and Jim Johnson, com-
ing from Ohio, were in the pfirty of gamblers and another man by the name of Andy
McCabe. ^ Digitized by V3*^V./VLV.
70 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
"Previous to coming to California, anable to obtain aeeonunodation from New Or-
leans to Colon, they were compelled to row up the Chagrees riyer to Panama. WUle
en route these gamblers won and lost Mr. Dennis three different times. It cost them $350
fare for him from Panama to San Francisco, because he was a Negro slave. It was after
arriving and establishing the Eldorado Hotel that Green Dennis made the proposition to
George Dennis that if he saved his money, he oould buy his freedom.
''The gamblers employed Dennis as a porter in the Eldorado Hotel, and at the end
of three months, from the sweepings of the floor he had saved, in five and ten-cent pieces
$1,000, which he paid for Freedom Papers for himself from Green Dennis, who was his
own father and also his master.
''He again saved the sweepings and when Joe Johnson, from Ohio, who was one of
the party owning the Eldorado Hotel, told him that he was going back east to bring out
some graded cattle and would bring Mr. Dennis's mother with Mm to his former master,
Mr. Dennis paid $950 for his mother, and she returned with Mr. Joe Johnson to California.
She lived many years afterward and died in San Francisco at the age of 105 years. After
Mr. Dennis's mother arrived in San Francisco he rented one of the gambling tables at
$40 a day with the privilege of his mother serving hot meals in the gambling house on it.
Boiled eggs sold for $12 per dozen, apples 25 cents apiece, and a loaf of bread $1. Bat
she also paid $25 for a sack of flour containing one hundred pounds. These prices were
during the early Fifties."
The case of Alvin Coffey was very unjust and has been commented on by Historian
Bancroft. It has been the custom of the writer, if possible, to secure original infonna-
tion pertaining to every case mentioned, and this account of the subject was given by a
Mr. Titus Hale, a lifelong friend of Alvin Coffey, who came from the same part of the
country. He said: "Alvin Coffey was bom in 1822, in St. Louis County, Missouri. He
came to California with his master, a Mr. Duvall, landing in San Francisco September 1,
1849. His master was sick and they did not remain long in this place, but went to Sac-
ramento, October 13, 1849. During the next eight months Alvin worked in the mines and
made for his master the sum of $5,000, and by washing and ironing for the miners after
his workday ended, earned for himself the neat sum of $700.
"After staying nearly two years in California the master, continuing in poor health,
decided to return to his home in Missouri. Alvin had nursed him tenderly and now was
to care for him on the return trip. When they reached Kansas City, Missouri, the master
sold Alvin Coffey to Nelson TincUe, after first taking from him the money earned for the
master by working in the mines and also the money earned by working at night in washing
for the miners.
"Nelson Tindle took a great liking to Alvin and in a short time made him overseer
of a section of slaves. Alvin, however, longed to return to California and, in order to
earn his freedom, bought his time from his master and took contracts to build railroads.
"One day Nelson Tindle said to Alvin that he was too smart a man to be a slave
and ought to try and buy. his freedom; whereupon Alvin told him if he would let him
return to California he could easily earn enough money to purchase his freedom. Nelson
Tindle replied: 'But when you reach California you will be free and then I will lose the
money that I paid to purchase you.' Alvin replied: 'If I tell you that I will send you
the money, I will do so. What do you wish for met' He was told $1,500. Alvin made
the return trip to California and in a short time sent his master the money to pay for hia
freedom.
"He then went to work to earn the money to pay for the freedom of his wife and
daughters, who were slaves of Dr. Bassett, of Missouri. He earned the required sum and
then went back in person to pay it over and, after securing the freedom of his family,
started with them to Canada, where he left his daughters to be educated, he and his wife
coming to California. It cost him for the freedom of himself and wife, Mahala, and his
two daughters, together with their education and trips to California, something like $7000.
He earned this money through placer mining in California in and around Bedding and
Bed Bluff.
"After the arrival of his wife Coffey located in Bed Bluff and opened a laundry.
He also made a small fortune making hay at $16 per day, and in a few years was worth
$10»000. Then a friend of Alvin 's, a white minister, who owned a farm in the Sacramento
Valley, borrowed a few thousand dollars from Alvin until his crops were harvested. But
floods destroyed his crops and Alvin, not holding a note against him, of course lost hia
money.
"About this time his wife died and, as his daughters were married and he still had
a few hundred dollars left, he became the prime mover in oj^gE^ni^^^j^i^^^iiie for
OP CALIFORNIA 71
Afged and Infirm Colored People/ located near Beolab, California, where lie spent the
remaining dajs of his life.''
Daniel Bodgers came to California aeross the plains with his master in 1849, eoming
from Little Bode, Arkansas. He worked in the mines in Sonora, California, during the
day for his master and at night for himself, earning and paying for his freedom by giv-
ing to his master the sum of $1,100. Soon afterward the master returned with him to
Little Bock and sold him. This time a number of the leading white gentlemen of the
town raised the money and paid for him and gave him his Freedom Papers. Copies of
both his Freedom Papers and an extract of his wife's will be found with the collection
of other Freedom Papers.
Cooper Smith told the writer that he worked in the mines two years after coming to
California to pay for his freedom.
Sowarie Long worked in the mines of California, earning the money to pay for the
freedom of himself and wife. They had come to CaUfomia in 1849 with their master.
After securing their freedom, they located in San Jose, California.
Henry YaUe, coming with his master from Fredericktown, Mississippi, to CaUfomia,
woriced in the mines, paying $2500 for himself and $2200 for his wife. This was paid
three years before the Civil War. He afterward earned enough money to enable him and
his wife to return to Ironton County, Missouri, and ever afterward live comfortably on
the money thus earned in the mines of California.
William Pollock and wife, coming to California with their master from North Caro-
lina, located in Cold Springs, Coloma County, California, paid $1000 for himself and $800
for his wife. This money was earned by his washing for the miners at night, and his
wife iwftlrifig and selling doughnuts to the miners. A^r obtaining their Freedom Papers
they moved to Placerville and earned their living by acting as cooks in taking party and
wedding work from those able to secure their services.
Jacob Johnson came to California with his master from St. Louis County Missouri.
He worked in the mines and paid for his freedom, afterward sending a large sum back
to pay for the freedom of his family, but never received any word from either his money
or family.
Mary Ann Israel-Ash, of Sonoma County, California, mortgaged her home in 1852
and then begged to enable her to raise the sum of $1100, and paid the same to the master
of a family of slaves who were being returned to the South and into slavery.
Basil Campbell worked ten years to pay for his freedom after coming to California
with his master. After obtaining his freedom he located in Woodland, California, where
he engaged in ranching. When he died he left property valued at $80,000.
Ellen Mason, coming to CaHfomia with her master in 1849, under contract to pay
for herself at fif^ cents a week, not only paid for her own freedom but that of her sister.
After securing her Freedom Papers, she tiien worked to secure herself some good clothes
and celebrated the event, so they say, by an outfit costing a hundred dollars. Afterward
she sent for her brother Benjamin, and was paying for his freedom in California when
he, learning that the State was a Free State, ran away from the master, who did not
compel Ellen to finish paying the bill of sale. Mrs. Mason afterward lived many years
and died in the ''Home for Aged Colored People" in Beulah, California.
Nathaniel Nelson came to California with his master, William Bussell, from Cook
County, Tennessee. He worked in the mines and in four years paid for the freedom of
himself and his family of several children and his wife. Afterward he earned enough to
bring them to live in California in 1854, and located in MarjrsviUe. He died leaving his
f amUy well provided for.
Mrs. Langhom and family, who were slaves, came with their master, a Doctor Lang-
horn. She earned the price of her own freedom and that of her husband, daughter and
three grandchildren by working at night. After obtaining their freedom they located in
San Jose, CaHfomia.
Joseph Bathelome, coming to California with his master, hired his time and worked
in the mines and procured enough gold to buy his freedom and that of his 'wife and four
children. He continued to work and save his money until 1861, when he returned to Mis-
souri and moved his family to Sparta, Illinois, where he bought a home and forever after-
ward lived happily. The following are the names of his children: Christian, Joe, Henry
and Frank.
The history of the Samuel Shelton case was given to the writer by one of the members
of his family. She said: "Samuel Shelton came to San Francisco in 1840, which was
before the Lidians had been driven out of the country. He was his master's offspring
by his little African girl, whom he had stolen from Africa. He gai^e ^ ^i^^|n^ ^^^th
72 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
his master and the first thing he did, after the purchase of his own freedom, was to earn
the money to purchase the freedom of his wife and that of his son Frank. He earned the
money in the mines in California. After securing their freedom he worked to pay for
the f^dom of other members of the family, namely, Moulton Shelton, Moses Brown and
Lucy Shelton. The Irish kidnaped Moulton Shelton in New York and when Lucy Shelton
arrived in San Francisco and related the news to Samuel Shelton he held a lawsuit be-
tween San Francisco and Washington City, for the sale had been recorded in Washington
City. This suit lasted months, bat finally Moulton Shelton was given his freedom and
landed safely in San Francisco, California. Samuel Shelton spent thousands of dollars
in purchasing the freedom of hhnself and immediate family and their families and bring-
ing them to live in California."
Auction of Slaves in Calitornia
In the remarkable book by Mr. Oeorge Tinkham, ''Men and Events," he says, in
regard to slavery in California: ''In 1849 a slave owner brought his slave to Calif omia.
Then, not wishing to take the Negro back to his native State, Alabama, he concluded to
sell him by auction. An advertisement was put in the papers. The boy was purchased at
$1000 by Caleb T. Fay, a strong Abolitionist, who gave the boy his freedom.
"A Mississippi slave owner brought several slaves from tbait State. He promised to
give them their freedom in two years. They all ran away save one, Charles Bates, when
they learned that they were already free. The owner finding that mining did not pay
started east, taking Charles with him. On the Isthmus of Panama Charles was persuaded
to leave his master. He returned to Stockton, California, with his new-found friend. On
the street one day he was recognized by a party who had loaned money to Charles' master.
The debtor got out an attachment for the former slave as chattel property, and in accord-
ance with the State law, the Negro was put up and sold by auction. A number of anti-
slavery men bought the boy for $750. He was given his freedom."
llie following has been copied from the same book (p. 157) : "Under the provision
of the law in May, 1852, Justice of the Peace of Sacramento returned a Negro to a Mr.
Lathrop. He claimed that he brought the Negro to California in 1849. The boy ran
away kter in 1851 and his owner, learning of his residence, had him arrested in June,
1852. Three more runaway slaves were arrested. This case was taken to the Supreme
Court on the ground that the law was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court at this time
was comprised of Hugh C. Murry, Chief Justice, and Solomon Hydenfelt and Aleiander
Anderson, Associates. They gave their decision July 80, 1852, that the law was consti-
tutional and the slaves were given to their owners immediately without cost. They were
returned to the South and slavery."
"Another case more cruel was that of a Mulatto woman as reported September, 1852,
in the San Franoiseo Herald: 'Yesterday Justice Shephard issued a warrant for the arrest
of a Mulatto woman as a fugitive slave claimed by I. J. Smith, of Missouri She was
brought by him to Califomia in 1850 with other slaves and a few months ago married a
free Negro man and ran away from Smith. Her owner learned that she was secreted on
the Clipper Ship "Flying Cloud." She was arrested, given into his possession and taken
back into slavery.' "
"The following advertisement appeared September 12, 1852, in the San Joaquin Be-
publican: 'Escaped, a fugitive slave. Mr. O. B. Bozier called upon us yesterday and
stated that his slave, Stephen, whom he brought with him from Sonora and was taking
back to Alabama, made his escape from the steamer "Urilda'' while in San Francisco.
Mr. Bozier is still in the city at the St. Charles Hotel, where he will be pleased to receive
any information of his fugitive slave.' '*
On page 158 of Mr. Tinkham 's book the following appears: "The Negro was not
the only person subject to slavery, for the same Legii&ture, that of 1852, passed a law
permitting the slavery of the Indian man, woman or child and compelled them to labor,
the only condition upon the party bdng a bond of a small sum given to the Justice of
the Peace of the county where he resided, that he will not abuse or cruelly treat the
Indian. Under the provision of the same law, Indians could be arrested as vagrants and
sold to the highest bidder within twenty-four hours after arrest, and the buyer had the
privilege of their labor for a period not exceeding four months. An Indian arrested for
a violation of the law could demand a jury trial, yet could not testify, either in his own
behalf or against a white person. If found guilty of any crime, he could either be im-
prisoned or whipped, the whipping not to exceed twenty-five lashes. A. G. Stakes was the
Judge of San Joaquin County, Califomia.''
All the above has been quoted from the same book, which is the only work giving an
account of the enslaving of the Indian. Slaves being retume<^^to ^J^y^^^^l^Y^ade
OP CALIFORNIA 73
note of in the California Beports, No. 2, page 424-5-6, which says: ''The owners of slaves
in Mississippi brought them voluntarily into California before the adoption of the Con-
stitution by the State. The slaves asserted their freedom and for some months were
engaged in business for themselves. Afterward the Act of April 15, 1852, was passed
bj the Legislature, the fourth . Section of whie)i in substance enacts that slaves who had
been voluntarily introduced into the State before the adoption of the Constitution and
who refused upon demand of their owners to return to the State where they owed labor,
should be deemed to be fugitives from labor, and gave the owner the same remedies for
their reclamation as are provided for the recovery of such fugitives. The owners, under
the provision of the above act, brought them before the Justice of the Peace, who allowed
the daim of the owners and order^ them into his custody. The slaves then petitioned
for a writ of habeas corpus, which came before the Supreme Court and, after hearing the
case, the Court ordered that the writ be dismissed and the slaves remanded to their owners."
California Beport, No. 2, Carter Perkins and Bobert Perkins, (p. 426): ''This case
was brought before Judge Wells of the Supreme Court by the petition and affidavit of
the prisoners, Bobert and Carter Perkins and Sandy Jones, July 1, 1852, which set forth
that about the first of June, 1852, they had been seized without process of law and taken
before B. D. Fry, a Justice of the Pease, of Sacramento, upon a pretended claim of one
C. S. Perkins, of the State of Mississippi, for a certificate to remove them from the State
of California to Mississippi, under act of California, respecting fugitives from labor and
slaves brought into the State prior to her admission into the Union, passed April 15, 1852.
It is further stated that Fry granted the certificate and they were advised that the said
act was wholly unconstitutional and void and that the Justice had no jurisdiction.***
£ach for himself said that he was not a fugitive from labor and owed no service to the
said Perkins, but that they had been brought by the said Perkins into this State prior to
its admission into the Union and that they had resided here ever since, and that for sev-
eral months prior to their arrest they had been engaged in business for themselves. They
stated further that they were held in confinement under the said certificate upon the claim
of the said Perkins and under the said act of the Legislature, and prayed for a writ of
certiorari to the Justice to certify the proceedings to the Supreme Court.***
"The petition of Moses Jackson in behalf of the prisoners was also presented and
a writ of habeas corpus ordered returnable before the Supreme Court at the July term,
1852, at the opening of the court. The Sheriff made return and produced the prisoners
in court and Harden Scoles answered to the writ and said that he had held the prisoners as
agent of C. S. Perkins by virtue of the certificate of Justice Fry, issued under 4th Section
of the act entitled 'An Act respecting fugitives, from labor and slaves brought into the
State previous to her admission into the United States,' they having been held to service
in the State of Mississippi, by the laws thereof, by C. S. Perkins. The answer also states
that the said Bobert and Skindy had been taken before Judge Aldrich of the Sixth Judicial
District, by habeas corpus, who remanded them to the possession of the respondent June
11, 1852, and Scoles ^owed his authority as agent of the said C. S. Perkins, also the
proceedings before the Justice and the District Judge, Morris and Brown for the peti-
tioners***Murry, Chief Justice, and Anderson, Justice, severally delivered opinions.''
CaHfomia Beports, No. 2, p. 424: "By the act of April 20, 1852, the power of hear-
ing and determining writ of habeas corpus is vested in the Judge of every court of record
in the State. The final determination is not that of a court, but the simple order of a
Judge, and is not appealable from or subject to review. The State, in the exercise of
her police power, may expel from her limits slaves brought here voluntarily by their own-
ers before the State was admitted into the Union. The act of the 15th of April, 1852, is
not an ex-post facto law. It impairs no right, nor does it constitute tiie refusal to return
to service a crime. It simply provides for the departure of slaves brought here before a
certain period. Nor does it impair the obUgation of contracts. The State has entered
into no contract with free Negroes fugitives or slaves by providing by her Constitution
that slavery, or involuntary service, sludl not exist within her limits, which would prevent
her, on proper occasion, from removing them. Nor does the act impair the constitutional
rights of trial by jury. The rights of slaves are not determined by the arrest and com-
mitment, nor by the examination on writ of habeas corpus. The right of trial by jury
is secured in aU cases involving questions of liberty, property or punishment."
There were many similar cases brought before the highest court in the State, but the
one which the writer will' now quote is quite unique in that it was a case brought con-
cerning a slave and property rights after the Civil War, when the emancipation had already
gone £[ito effect. It is quoted from California Beport, No. 51, page 120: "Statement
of facts (No. 4500): Adelaide Pearson vs. Laura Pearson: Manumission of a slave. —
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74 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Marriage of master with his female slave amounts to a relinquishment of rights to hold
her as a slave and manumits her. The Court below gave judgment for the plaintiff for
an undivided one-seventh of two-thirds of the demanded premises. There were seven
children. The plaintiff and six others were bom to the tester and defendant Laura and
under our statute of descents and distribution, the wife by whom there is more than one
child, inherits one-third and the children two-thirds. The action was brought to recover
all the land of which the testor did seize.
"W. F. Good; P. Van Ch&ff and Beaty 4b Denison for the appellant.
"Currans Evans & John T. Harrington for the respondent."
The decision of the Court was: ''The action is ejectment and was brought hj the
appellant, Adelaide Pearson, as heir-at-law of Bichard Pearson (deceased) to recover of
the defendants certain premises situated in the County of Colusa.
' * The appellant was bom in the year 1850 and is a daughter of said Bichard Pearson,
a white man (lately deceased) by Martha Powers, a white woman with whom he inter-
married in the year 1848, in the State of Iowa, and from whom he was divorced in the
year 1854, by a valid judicial decree rendered in the courts of the State of Missouri.
''The defendant, Laura Pearson, is a woman of African descent and claims a dis*
tributive share in the estate of the said Bichard Pearson, as his surviving wife. The
other defendants are the children of Bichard Pearson by said Laura and were bora after
the alleged inter-marriage between said Bichard and Laura, presently to be mentioned,
and during the subsequent cohabitation between said Bichard and said Laura in the as-
sumed relation of husband and wife. It appears that in the year 1847 the defendant
Laura, being at the time a slave in the State of North Carolina, was purchased by the said
Bichard Pearson, who immediately moved her to the State of Miasouri, where he held
her as a slave until the year 1854, during which year and after the entry of the decree
in the courts of that State divorcing him from Martha Powers. He moved her to the Ter-
ritory of Utah, reaching the Territory in September of that year, where he remained en-
gaged in business pursuits until the year 1855, when he moved to this State and settled
in the county of Colusa, in which county he continued to reside until his death in the
year 1865.
"The Court below found the facts to be that in the fall of said year, 1854, and while
residing in the Territory of Utah, the said Bichard and Laura inter-married and^ thenoe,
until the death of said Bichard, they lived and cohabited together as husband and wife
and that during such cohabitation there were bom to them the defendants, Theodora,
Harry, Mary, William, Bichard and Jefferson, the oldest of these children being bora in
the year 1856 and the youngest shortly before the death of the said Bichard. Judgment
was thereupon rendered to the effect that upon the death of said Bichard, his estate de-
scended to and became vested in the plaintiff and defendant in all respects as though the
defendant Laura had been a white woman, and the lawful, surviving wife of the said
Bichard, and from this judgment, an order having been subsequently entered denying the
motion of plaintiff for a new trial, she prosecutes this appeal.
"At the new trial the defendant, Laura Pearson, examined as a witness for the de-
fendants, having testified that she had been at one time the slave of Bichard Pearson, in
the State of Missouri, but that she had subsequently been emancipated by him by certain
judicial proceedings had for that purpose, of which a record was duly made in a court
in the city of St. Louis. The plaintiff duly objected to oral proof of Laura's alleged
emancipation, but the objection was overruled and an exception was reserved. The views
we entertain upon other points involved render it unnecessary to notice this exception
further. -It is argued for the appellant that the alleged marriage between said Bichard
and said defendant Laura, even if solemnized in due form, was void because she was at
the time a slave and therefore incapable of contracting marriage. But we see no force
in this position. Conceding that she had been a slave in the State of Missouri, in 1854,
she was such only by force of the local law at tiie time prevailing in that State, and, con-
ceding that her removal by her master to the Territory of Utah did not of itself change
her status in that respect, and that Pearson might hereafter lawfully hold her in slavery
in that Territory, it certainly cannot be denied that he might, if he chose, manumit her
there by any act evidencing a purpose on his part to do so. His general authority, as
master, to manumit his slave was not taken away nor limited in its exercise by the local
law of Utah, and we think that his inter-marriage with her in that Territory amounts to
a relinquishment of his claim to further hold her as his slave. At common law, if a man
bound himself in a bond to his villein granting him an annuity, or gave him an estate
even for years it was held to be an implied manumission for his dealkig with his villein,
on the footing of a free man. There being no law or regulation at the time prevailing ixk
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OF CALIFORNIA
75
HON. JAMES M. ALEXANDER
Six years Internal Revenue Cashier for the Sixth District of California.
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76
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
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MISS VIRGINIA STEPHENS
Sponsor for the name Jewel City for the Panama I'acific
International Exposition.
Digitized by
Google
OP CALIFORNIA 77
the Teriltoiy of Utah inter-dietiiig inter-marriage lawfully bad there between a nastev
and his female slave, neither party being othervriee ineapaeitated to contract marriage,
operated by analogy to the rule of the Common Law alreadjr adverted to and resulted in
the manumission of the slave woman, since such manumission was indispensable to her
assuming of her new relation of wife to her former master. She certainly could not ia
contemplation of the law be both the slave and the wife of Pearson. The marriage of
these parties, being valid by the law of the place where it was contracted, is also valid in
this State.
''The Statute of this State provides in terms that all marriages contracted withont
the State, which would be vaUd by the laws of the country in which the same were con-
tracted, shall be valid in all courts and places within the State. Marriage between master
and slave — ^If one, holding a female slave of African descent in Missouri, removes with
her to the Territory of Utah and there marries her, the marriage was legal, there being
BO law in Utah prohibiting such marriages.
''Validity of marriages — ^A marriage contracted with-out this State which is valid by
the law of the place where contracted, is valid in this State, if the parties subsequent^
remove here, even though the marriage would have been invalid by the laws of this State
if contracted here.
"Appeal from the District Court, Tenth Judicial District, County of Colusa; Octo-
ber, 1875.
"Adelaide Pearson, the plaintiff, was the legal child of Bichard Pearson and his
former wife from whom he was divorced, and was bom in Missouri on the tenth day of
October, 1850. The defendant, Laura, daimed to have bem the legal wife of Biohard
Pearson. But the plaintiff denied that she bdteme such.
"Bichard Pearson made a will, just before his death, in which he bequeathed all his
property to Laura and her children. No provision was made for, and no allusion was
made to his daughter, Adelaide, the plaintiff. Under our statutes of wills the daughter,
Adelaide, having been permitted in the wiU, was entitled to the same share of the estate
she would have received if her father had died intestate. If Laura was* the wife of
Bichard, then Adelaide was only entitled to share the estate with Laura and her diildren.
But if laura was not the wife of Bichard, then Adelaide was entitled to the whole. This
case was once before this court (California Beport, No. 46, p. 609) and everything in
regard to the rights of the parties had been fully settled and determined, except the ques-
tion as to whether Laura was or was not the wife of Bichard. The Court below held,
on the second trial, that Laura Pearson was the lawful wife of Bichard, and this appeal
was taken by the plaintiff to test the correctness of the decision in that regard. The only
question raised was in relation to that point.
"The statute accords with the general principle of law theretofore prevailing. 'The
validity of a marriage (except it be polygamous or incestous) is to be tested by the law
of the place where it is celebrated. If valid there, it is valid everywhere' (Btory, on Con-
flict of laws, Section 113). We discover in the records no error committed against the
appellant. Judgment and order denying a new trial affirmed."
The following is an extract from the arguments offered by the counsel first for the
appellant, in which W. F. Oood, P. YanClif and Beatty Denson are quoted as saying:
"A slave is incapable of contracting marriage, and if Laura remained a slave up to i£e
time she reached California, in 1855, certainly she could not have been married to Bichard
Pearson in the Territory of Utah, in the year 1854 (Bishop on marriage and Divorce, vol.
I, Sec. 154-56; Jones, North Carolina 235-6). If Laura was a slave in Missouri, she
remained a slave whilst passing through the Territory of Utah."
The following is an extract from the argument offered for the defendant by Curry
h Evans and Jno. T. Harrington, for the respondent: "Laura's emancipation prior to
the marriage is to be inferred from Pearson's acts and conduct. If it could be held that
Laura was a slave in Utah, notwithstanding Pearson's failure to make and file the proof
required by the statute, then we maintain that she ceased entirely to be a slave upon her
marriage with Pearson; In New York it has been held that when a man bought a woman
and her child for the purpose of marrying the mother and with the intention that they
- should be fiee, that his dedaiation on the subject and the fact that he married the woman,
were sufficient evidence of emancipation of mother and child. Emancipation will be in-
ferred wherever the master's conduct toward the slave is inconsistent with the continuance
of the condition of slavery. (Wells v. Lau, 9, Johns 144; La. Grand, v. Darnell, 2, Peters,
664.)"
First Calivobnia Leoislatubs — Fbsb Negbobs — Coubt Tbial of thb Slavb Aboht Ln.
The first session of the CaHf omia Legislature met December 28, 1849, and lasted until
March 22, 1850. The first State Governor, Peter Burnet, was duly inaugurated, and in his
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78 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
fint mesBage to the Assemblyy lie reeommended the ezclusion of "Free Negroes.'' A bill
mm introdueed in the Senate, but was indelLnitelj- postponed.
This bill was in ke^Mng with the Fugitive Slave Law, and claimed that Negroes
brought into the State previous to its admission into the Union were fugitives (See Journal
of the California Legislature, page 1232, 1850). Previous to the admission of the State
into the Union, there were many Negroes brought to California. Some, coming with their
masters, by working in the mines paid for their freedom. There were other colored people
who had come on trading ships and, aside from earning the money to pay for their free-
dom, had purchased good homes. There were still others, who had come who were already
free, and who, after reaching California, had gone into business. This was especially true
in and around Sui Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton.
The colored people realized the joy of living in California and were preparing them-
selves to become useful citizens when they were startled by the sudden passage of a bill
by the California Assembly known as House Bill No. 395, which was introduced by a
Mr. Stakes, a Democrat, from San Joaquin County, during the session of 1858. The
object of tliis bill was to prevent Negroes from immigmting to or residing in California.
The wording of the bill was very harsh and sent terror to the hearts of the colored people
living throughout the State.
In the meantime gold was discovered on the Frazier river, British Columbia, and
Governor James Douglass, of British Columbia, sent his harbor-master, James Nagel, to
San Francisco, California, to invite the colored people to come to Canada to make their
home and woric the Frazier river gold discovery. This resulted in a large number of
tlie best families of colored people going to British Columbia. Among the number were
the following: Mil&in Gibbs, George Dennis, Stone Wall Jackson, EzekU Cooper, John
Upsheer and a Mr. Carter, together with many others. One ship with a passenger list
running into the hundreds was lost in a storm en route.
The bill that was the means of frightening so many colored people away from ^e
State was not so easily passed. But year after year there had been similar bills intro-
duced, until they finally became panic-stricken and left the State in large numbers.
Many, however, returned to the beautiful State of California. This bill introduced at the
first session of the California Legislature in 1858 and known as House Bill No. 395, read
as follows: ''An Act to restrict and prevent the immigration to and residence in this
State of Free Negroes and Mulattoes." The bill was amended, or an additiomil section
was added as follows: ''Nothing in the act provided shall prevent the immigration to
this State of any member of the family of any Negro or Mulatto who may be a resident
of this State at the date of the passage of this act, nor of the arrival in this State of any
who may be the owners of any real or personal estate at the date of the passage of the
act, nor of any person who may be a resident of this State and temporarily absent there-
from at the date of the passage of this act. ' ' The bill passed, ayes 21, noes 8. The InD
was repealed in 1859. There had been similar bills passed in regard to free Negroes leav-
ing the State, from the first session of the first Legislature. The time for them to leave
the State would be extended every year.
The climax was reached when a Mr. Stovall came to California in 1857 from Missis-
sippi, bringing his slave boy, Arehy Lee. Mr. Stovall opened a private school in Sacra-
mento and, after teaching for a year, decided to return to Mississippi and take the slave
boy, Archy Lee, with him again to slavery. His effort to carry out his intention of return-
ing to Musissippi with his slave boy was the means of furnishing the courts with a ease
that became one of the most famous in regard to the Negro in California. The decision
of the case has been recorded in the Constitutional United States slave laws. It is highly
interesting to the present day Negro in California, because its success was due mainly
to the united action of all the Negroes then living in California. They were guided in
their actions by the Executive Committee of the Colored Convention, who saw to the raie-
log of the necessary funds. They fully recognized that the right to live in California
of every Negro would be affected by the decision of this case.
The following is quoted from Hittell's History of California in regard to this oele-
biated case (voL 4, p. 244) : "The Archy case: One Charles Stovall, a citizen of Mis-
sissippi, had, in 1857, come to California overland from that State and brought along his
slave, a Negro boy called Archy. After hiring Archy out for some time at Sacramento,
Mr. Stovall thou^t of retumii^r to Mississippi and, as a preliminary put the slave on »
Sacramento river steamboat with the intention of sending him to San Fnuicisco and thenee
to Mississippi in charge of an agent. But the boy, who had attracted a great deal of
attention as a slave brought voluntarily into the State, refused to be taken back aad
escaped from the vessel Stovall, therefore, for such escape had him arrested as « fagitire
riave and he was taken into custody by the Sacramento Chief of Police, who, however^
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OF CALIFORNIA 79
refused to deliver him over to his master. Stovall immediately had issued a writ of habeas
eorpus for his possession and the matter came up for adjustment before the Supreme
Comt. The decision and opinion of that tribunal was rendeied by Peter Burnett, formeity
Governor, who had been appointed a Justice of that Court by (Governor NeaJ^ Johnaon
in 1857, and filled the office until October, 1858/'
The following is from the proceedings of the California Supreme Court, January term^
1858, p. 147: ''Supreme Court and the Archy case, Habeas Corpus: Charles A. Stovall, a
eitisen of Mississippi, petitioned this court for a writ of habeas corpus for the recovery
of his slave, Archy. The writ was issued and, on the return thereof, the following argu-
ment of counsel was made. The facts appear in the opinion of the Court. James Hardy,
eouitfel for the petitioner, Stovall.
"There is no question from the return of the writ and evidence in the case that
the boy, Archy, was a slave owned and held to service by the petitioner in the State of
Mississippi, nor is there any pretense of any voluntary or actual emancipation of the slave
by his master. Counsel for the slave, however, have argued that he was voluntarify
brought to this State by his master and he is thereby manumitted. In reply I contoid
that there is no proof in the case that Archy was brought voluntarily into the State by
his master. This ^ole evidence shows that he owed service in Mississippi; that about
the first of January last he was in this State with his master, and that when about to
leave the State, he escaped from him. In support of the petitioner's right to remove the
dave, I contend: That the eighteenth section of the first article of the Constitution of
this State is inoperative and requires legislative aid in the shape of penalties and manner
of proeeedingB to give it effect; that for the purpose of transit or journey in or through
the State, he has full and complete guarantee of the courts of the United States tlutt
even if the eighteenth section of the first article of the Constitution be operative upon
our citizens it has no effect as against travelers or sojourners by reason of the constitu-
tional provisions both of this State and of the United States, and that no emancipation
of the slave can be had or preserved without due process of law. This is the very doctrine
Judge Murry declared in tiie matter of Carter (Cali{pmia Bep. No. 2, p. 44). Now in
determining how far under our seemingly absolute and uncompromidng Constitution
restraint of the principle of comity should (within the constitutional restraint) be allowed,
the Legislature passed the Act of April 15th, 1852, entitled an 'Act respecting fu^tives
from labor and slaves brought into this State prior to her admission into the Umon in
which they provided for the reclamation of fugitives escaping into the State.' "
The counsel for Archy was equal to the occasion and he was ably defended by Mr.
£. Winans. His argument: "Conceding that Stovall left Mississippi with the intention
of returning in eighteen months, that would have allowed him a year's residence or sojourn
in this State. If he desired to be a sojourner during that time and to carry on business
and let out his slave during that time for hire, he woi2d be acting in violation of the spirit
and meaning of the constitutional prohibition of slavery. But after his arrival here he
appears to have entertained nothing but a remote, undeveloped intention of leaving the
l^te at some future, unascertained, undeveloped time. If we judge from his acts, he
appears to have invested himself with all the rights, attributes, and characteristics of a
continuing citizenship. He made his advertisement for scholars and announced his school
as permanent, not transitory. The business is one which for its success looks for perma-
neaey. He al^o hired out Archy from time to time and told the parties hiring him that
they could keep him as long as they chose, saying nothing about intending to leave the
State. This question is not to be settled in his favor by simply proving that he retained
the animm reverteudi. If that alone was the criterion, he might preserve the animus for
years, continuing here and enjoying aU the rights, immunities and advantages of citizen-
ship the while. The doctrine criterion is this (if the doctrine of comity be sustained),
was he simply engaged in actual passage or transit through the State and were the cir-
cumstances which detained him of such an unavoidable character that they still preserved
him in a condition of actual transit f The case of Julia Y. McEonney, 3 Miss. 270, is a
leading authority on the subject: "Wilson v. Melvin, 4 Missouri, 597. The doctrine of
Lord Stovall is favorably cited.
"The court says: 'The principle above stated, in which a slave brought here be-
comes free in that he is entitled to the protection of our laws, and there is no law to war-
rant his arrest and forcible removal, and also for the imme^te transportation from the
State of slaves brought here before the adoption of the Constitution and the entire con-
cession and provision of the Act, and in section five it is provided that even in the case
of a slave brought here before the Constitution, if his master seeks to reclaim or hold
him in servitude in the State except for the purpose of his immediate removal' This Aet
was to continue in force for only twelve months and was renewed for another twelve
•^ Digitized by VJ^^^^VIV^
80 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
months \>j the Act of 1853. After and einee which time even these privelegef were and
have been denied to eitizens of this State. Bj this Act the Legislature established their
eondnsions of the sovereign will that reeognized the oonstitntional proAiibition of volun-
tary servitude.
''The J did not consider such prohibition as preventing them from allowing by
comity the reclamation of slaves brought here before the adoption of the constitution
and were willing therefore to carry tiie diction of comity so far and of course, by
necessary implication, no farther, and even this concession was but temporary and
designed to be withdrawn after a brief period by the express provision of the Act.
In upholding the institutions of other governments, we cannot carry the doctrine of
courtesy so far as to subvert our own, and whatever violates the spirit of our laws, the
policies of our government, and the rights of our citizens has a tendency to subvert
our institutions. The Dred Scott case, of which so much has been said, does not con-
flict with the principle here contended, for it only declares that, slaves being property, '
the master has a right to hold them in servitude in any portion of the Federal territory,
but it does not attempt to conclude or pass upon the right of sovereign States in this
behalf, and if it had so done, it would have laid the cherished doctrine of State Sov-
ereignty — a doctrine no less dear to all sister States than slavery can be to these who
own it as their institution — completely prostrated in the dust. (See the opinion of Judge
Burnet in Nougees v. Johnson, 7 CaHfomia; B. Somerset, 20; Howell's Stat^ Trial 79;
Story in Conflict of Laws, 96-244, edition 1846, p. 371-2).
''But this court has heretofore passed upon this question in the matter of Perkins
2 Oalif omia, 441, and it is then held that while the slave, by being taken upon free
soil does not become ipse facto tree — yet that the master's control over him ceases and
he becomes thereby virtually free. Now if this court recognizes the doctrine of the Star
decision, for this is not a mere diction, then the application of tJie claimant must be
denied. (See also Landsford v. OonquiUion, 24, Martin's Bep. 413, and Expartra Simmon,
4 Washington, 0. C. Beport, 306, and see Butler v. Hoifer, 1 Washington.)"
Judge Burnet, after listening to the arguments, decided the case as follows, which
has been quoted from the Oalif omia Beports No. 9, Expartra Archy: "In the matter of
Archy on habeas corpus. The righ{ of transit through each State with every specie of
property known to the Constitution of the United StiEites, and recognized by that para-
mount law, is secured by that instrument to each citizen and does not depend upon the
uncertain and changeable ground of mere comity. The character of immigrant or trav-
eler, bringing with him a slave into the State, must last so long as it is necessary bj
the ordinary modes of travel to accomplish a transit through the State. Nothing but
accident or imperative necessity could excuse a greater delay. Something more than
mere ease or convenience must intervene to save a forfeiture of proper^ which he
cannot hold as a citizen of the State through which he is passing. But visitors for
health or pleasure stand in a different position from travelers for business, and are
protected by the law of comity. It is right for the Judiciary, in the absence of le^sla-
tion, to determine how far the policy and position of this State will justify the giving a
temporary effect within the limits of this State, to the laws and institutions of a sister
State. To allow mere visitors to this State for pleasure or health, to bring with them,
as personal attendants, their own domestics, is not any violation of the end contemplatea
by the constitution of the State. The visible acts of a party must be taken as the only
test of his intentions in deciding whether he is entitled to be considered a mere visitor,
of which fact his declaration constitutes no evidence. The privileges are extended to
those who come for both business and pleasure or health, and who engage in no business
while here, and remain only for a reasonable time. If the party engages in any business
or employs his slave in any business except as a personal attendant upon himself or
family, then the character of the visitor is lost, and his slave is entitled to freedom.
This rule admits of no exception upon the ground of necessity or misfortune, or it would
introduce uncertainty and complexities and lead the courts into profitless investigations.
The peculiar condition of the party is difficult of proof, and will not be inquired into
nor will the rule be relaxed to meet the harddiips of a particular case."
"BURNBTT."
The concluding remarks of the learned Trial Judge were as follows: "From the
views we have expressed it would seem clear that the petitioner cannot sustain either
the character of traveUer, or visitor, but there are drcumstances connected with this
particular case that may exempt him from the operation of the rule we have laid down.
This^ is the first case that has occurred under the existing law, and from the opinion of
Justice Anderson and the silence of the Chief Justice, the petitioner had some reason to
believe that the constitutional provision would have no immediate operation. This is
the first case, and under the circumstances we are not disposed to rigidly enforce the
Digitized by ^^JKJKJWIK.
OF CALIFORNIA 81
mle for the first time. But in reference to all fatnre easoB it ie our porpoee to enf orea
the mles laid down strictly according to their true intent and spirit. It is therefore
ordered that Archj be forthwith released from the cnstodj of the chief of police and
given into the eastody of the petitioner, Charles Btoyall.'^
TxsBY, C. J., Chief Juttioe: "I concur in the judgment and in the prineiplea
mnnonnced in the opinion of my associate, while I do not entirely agree with his con-
clusions from the facts of the case. I think the delay of the petitioner was unavoidable
and that the facts of his engaging in labor in order to support himself during his
necessary detention did not divert h& rights under the laws of comity as laid down in the
opinion."
In Hittell's Histoiy of Oalifomia, he says in regard to the decision: ''James G.
Baldwin, author and wit who succeeded Burnett upon the Supreme bench, characterized
the decision as 'Giving the law to the North, and the nigger to the South.' It may be
added that Archy, after being delivered over to Stovall, was taken to San Francisco
for the purpose of being sent back to Mississippi, but his friends sued out a new writ
of habeas corpus, this t&ne for his liberation instead of for his redelivery into slavery.
He was taken before Judge Thomas W. Freelon of the County Court, of San Francisco,
But while the case was pending before him, Stovall saw fit to swear to a new affidavit
which did not correspond very well with the one he had sworn to in Sacramento. Iii
the latter he made oath that Archy had escaped from him in the State of Mississippi,
and procured a warrant from George Pen Johnson, United States Commissioner, for his
arrest as a fugitive slave from Miraissippi. Upon this state of facts and at the request
of Stovall 's attorneys, James H. Hardy and George F. James, Archy was discharged
by Freelon. But he was immediately re-arrested and taken before George Pen Johnson,
who on April 14, 1858, after full consideration, decided that Archy was in no proper
sense a fugitive slave from Mississippi, and therefore discharged him finally, much to
Archy 's own relief and to the satisfaction of the larger part of the community."
Bancroft, in regard to the Archy case, says: "Burnett was appointed to fill the
vacancy caused by the resignation of Terry. Stovall took Archy on board the steamer
for the States. But when' outside the entrance, Stovall was arrested for kidnapping and
Archy brought back by writ of habeas corpus. E. D. Baker was counsel for Archy and
J. H. Hardy, afterwards impeached for treasonable utterance, pleaded Stovall 's case.
George Pen Johnson, United States Commissioner, heard the case impartially and ordered
Archy liberated."
The reader has been given not only the police and Supreme Court proceedings of
this case, but that part of the proceedings as considered of historical value by the two
greatest California historians, namely, HitteU and Bancroft. During this period in CaH-
fomia, the colored people who were here lived in constant fear of the Fugitive Slave
Law and the various interpretations that could be and were given to it by those in
authority. They were not allowed to testify in the Courts of Justice in their own behalf,
owing to the workings of the fugitive slave laws. They were not allowed the benefits
of the Homestead Law, notwithstanding through it all they clung to California.
The few members of the race living in the State at the time were most admirable,
because they act€|d as one family in whatever concerned the welfare of the Negro Bace.
Through the greatest struggles a few had acquired homes and good paying businesses.
l%ey owned good churches and several private schools, and strove to improve themselves
and be fit for citizenship whenever it should come to them. They had among them an
effective organisation which was known as "The Executive. Committee of the Colored
Convention. ' ' All the colored people throughout the State were members of this or^an*
isation and contributed of their funds to aid in covering the cost of different court trials.
l%e duty of this committee was to be on the constant watch to defend the interest of
the race in every part of the State. They had what corresponded to a secret service
or code of transmitting news to one another, since there was neither a rapid mail
service nor telegraphic communication. They transmitted the news by the way of the
barber's chair. The barbers at the time throughout the State were colored. It was
throu^ this channel they learned of any move for or against the Negro made in the
legislative halls or elsewhere. Word came to a few colored gentlemen living in Sacra-
mento, that Mr. Stovall was intending to send Archy, the Negro slave boy, back to
Misnssippi to again become a slave.
A number of Negroes had already been taken back into slavery after coming to
Oalifomia and working to pay for their freedom, and the few who were free when
coming to California had had a difficult time to acquire anything like a home. The
word of a Negro would not be taken in the Courts of Justice, and if the Negro, Archyi
was allowed to be returned into slavery after a residence in the State for one year, the
day might come when other colored people would be returned to the South and into
slavery, if a white person should make affidavit that tJiey were their slaves. Many had
82 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
been returned by the eoort*. In view of these undeniable faet% the colored people
realized that Mr. Stovall having tanght school for a jear in Sacramento would give
weight to his actions. They also were aware of the fact that Oalif omia was admitted
to the Union as a Free State, and that the Constitution of the State also forbade
slavery.
The Executive Committee of the Colored Convention decided to make the Arcby
case a test case as to the rights of Negroes to live in beautiful California. They staked
their all upon the outcome and decided that if they lost and had to leave the State,
they would not do so without a struggle. California's admittance as a Free State did
not give them any more peace of mind than a Free Negro would have enjoyed in the
heart of the Southland.
The officers of the Executive Committee living in Sacramento soon sent word to
those living in San Francisco, Bed Bluff, Marysville and other places throughout the
State. They decided to fight the case to a finish, not in holding meetings and protesting
but to arm themselves with the best counsel available on the coast. The services of
such an attorney required money and a lot of it. There were white people living in the
State who believed that the Negro was human and entitled to the treatment of a human
being, though such views always made the person unpopular among other white people.
Hence to secure a good attorney they knew that they would have to pay a good fee.
They secured a man who, While he wilued his future career, was a deep, dyed-in-the-wool
Abolitionist and a personal friend to the immortal Abraham Lincoln. The writer refers
to CoL E. D. Baker, who conducted the second trial in San Francisco.
The first trial they employed a Mr. Winans, who came to California in 1849, after
graduating in law from Columbia college. He was very popular and influential in
organizing the San Francisco Bar Association. Qeorge Wharton James says: "His
word was worth more than the biggest bond his richest client could give." What a
splendid selection the Executive Committee made in employing such reliable eounsell
The second trial was held before Judge Freelon, and Archy was dismissed. Mr.
Stovall immediately boarded a steamer for the States, carrying Archy with him. The
colored people and the members of the Executive Committee sued out a writ of habeas
corpus before Qeorge Pen Johnson, United States Commissioner. But who would serve
the writ for themf One of the Executive Committee, a Mr. George Dennis, living im
San Francisco, learning that ex-Judge Terry, an old friend of his, who, while a Democrat,
still would do a kindness for those whom he liked, went to him and explained the case.
He replied that if given the proper authority he would go out into the San
Francisco bay and arrest StovalL The Executive Committee of ttie Colored Convention
chartered the tug "Ooliath," paying the sum of three thousand and fifty dollars for
the use of it. The tug being secured, ex-Judge Terry went out into the San Francisco
bay and, as the steamer was about to pass through the Golden Gate, he hailed it and
went on board and arrested Mr. Stovall for ki&apping Archy and returned to San
Francisco, with both Stovall and the Negro slave-boy, Archy. The case was then tried
before George Pen Johnson and Archy was defended by E. D. Baker, a lawyer of won-
derful oratorical ability and a staunch friend to the Negro Bace. E. D. Baker's plead-
ing of the case was so forceful that George Pen Johnson, notwithstanding he was a
southern man, granted Archy his liberty.
The Executive Committee spent altogether the sum of fifty thousand dollars in these
different court trials in the interest of the Archy case. The money to defray the expense
of the chartering of the tug "Goliath" was raised through the assistance of ''Mammy
Pleasants," Afterward the colored men and women begged, mortgaged their homes
and gave concerts in an effort to raise the money to pay the cost of these trials. The
battle was not for Archy alone, but because of the vital interest of the matter to all
the people of color then living in California.
The few Free Negroes then in the State, with few exceptions, had earned their
freedom after coming here and working in the mines after a long, hard trip overland
by ox-team. If they were free when arriving in California, they used almost all their
money in making the trip and were compelled to start life aU over. Even so they
handled this case as one would handle a great financial deal or adventure. They secured
the best available attorneys, pledged themselves to the raising of the money to pay the
cost and then opened battle, showing unity of purpose and marshalling of forces. Let
the reader consider the thousands of miles lying between California and the men and
women of the East who were using their voices, pens, money and time in an effort to
influence public opinion in behalf of the Negro Bace and the cause of freedom, trying^
if possible, to convince the public mind that the Negro was actually made of flesh and
blood, with a soul and with feelings the same as other human beings. These few
Negroes and the loyal Tf^ite persons in California who assisted the Negroes in thia eaae
are greatly to be admired. Digitized by vj^^v^/viv^
OP CALIFORNIA 83
After the iliial deeisioii of the eaae it has been told the writer that San Franeiieo
iras on the verge of a riot, and that Mammj Pleasants hid Arehj Lee in her home until
the Executive Oommittee eonld secure him passage to Canada. In after jears he came
back to Oalifomia and died in Sacramento. His demise was the cause of a revival of
the case through the dailv press. The following is from the Sacramento Dailv Union,
Kovember 7. 1873, and which was republished in the Pacific Appeal of San Francisco
under date i^'ovember 10, 1878: "Archy Lee was found buried m the sand, with onlj
his head exposed, in the marsh-lands of Sacramento. He was ill and claimed to have
buried himself thus to keep warm* He was taken to the hospital where he died.***Arch^
Lee arrived in Sacramento October, 1857.***He was arrested in the Hackett house kept
by colored people on Third, between K and L streets. Judge Bobinson. who locked him
up in the cily prison, turned him over to James Lansing, Chief of Police, who issued a
writ of habeas corpus directed to Dansing and Stovall, and on petition of Charles W.
Parker, for whom Crocker and McKune appeared as attorneys. Smith and Hardy,
oppoidng Judge Bobinson, heard the case and it was continued a day or two. Mean-
wldle Stovall filed a petition with U. B. Commissioner George Pen Johnson, calling on
him to enforce the Fugitive Slave Law. Winans and Crocker appeared for the uave
in reply and moved to dismiss the petition. H. Johnson took time to conmilt M. HaU
MoAUister, United States Circuit Judge, and in a few days referred the case baek
to the State Courts. For two weeks the slave lay in prison when Judge Bobinson
released him and held that his master could not retake hinu But Lansing detained the
Negro, and refused to deliver him to Stovall, who petitioned the Supreme Court for a
writ of habeas corpus for the recovery of his slave. In that case Stovall would be
protected in his property and the chief was required to surrender the Negro to his
master. He was escorted by a strong force of police from the court house to prison
and three times tried to escape into the crowd surrounding him. The next day CMBcer
O^eal was detained to accompany Stovall and the Negro, heavily-ironed, was taken in
a wagon out of town, a rescue being anticipated. The next heard of the matter was when
StovaU and the Negro were in a boat in the San Francisco bay, ironed to a yawl and
his master trying to get him on the steamer, while an excited crowd was on the wharf.
A writ of habeas corpus was sworn out and an officer sent in a boat and the slave
taken from his master and carried to the city hall, an immense crowd following him^
The writ was heard before Judge Freelon a week later. Judge Hardy and Col. James
appeared for the master, and CoL E. D. Baker, E. O. Crosby and W. H. Tom^^kins for the
slave. On a motion to dismiss the warrant of arrest as fugitive slave. Judge Freelon
denied it, whereupon Stovall set the Negro free and at once had him rearrested by
U. S. Marshal, as a fugitive slave and George Pen Johnson heard the case. Meanwhile
the Negro sued Stovall for $2500 damages for imprisonment and beating. The case
lingered for weeks exciting greater interest all the time. Witnesses were brought from
this city and the trial was attended by an immense crowd. Finally, early in April,
Johnson decided the case and released Arehy Lee, holding that he was not a fugitive
slave."
A portion of this chapter has been published in an article of the writer's under
the title "Slavery in California" in the Journal of Negro History, January, 1018.
Later the editor of this journal received a letter from a relative of the slave boy,
Archy Lee. In the next issue of the magazine he published the following short sketch:
"Mention of the slave boy, Archy, in Miss Beasley's 'Slavery in California' has
called forth from a relative the foUowing sketch:
" ' Archy 's mother was named Maria. Maria had four children, Archy, Candace,
Pompey and Quitman. (I am the daughter of Candace.) At the time Charles A. Stovall
took Arehy to California, Maria, with her other children were with Simeon Stovall, the
father of Charles Stovall. Charles A. Stovall had been graduated in medicine and had
returned home to begin practice, but his health having failed him, he went to Calif omia^
taking Uncle Archy with him. My grandmother Miuria heard through the relatives of
Stovidl of Archy during the time StovaU remained in California, but near the close of
the Civil War, Charles Stovall returoed to Mississippi and remained there until his death
a few years later. After Stovall came back from California, my grandmother never
heard any more of her son, Archy, except when she once heard that he was with the
Indians who were treating him for some kind of sickness. Whether he died or whether
this rumor was put out to keep the Stovalls from trying to steal him and bring him
back to Mississippi, I have never been able to leam. My grandmother Maria connnued
to search for Archy, by writing several times to San Francisco, but without success.
SBbe died in 1884. Pompey and Quitman continued to live near Jackson, Mississippi.
When Quitman died some time ago, Pompey was still alive when I last heard from hun.'
*' 'Signed, Mas. B. A Hunt, MarshaU, Texas.Ailv.
64 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Fbeidoic Papbs.
State of Caupobnu,
COUNTTOF ICABIPOeA.
Know all men to whom these presents shall some, that I, Thomas Thorn, of the
State and Connty aforesaid, being the rightful owner of the Negro man, Peter Green,
and entitled to his sendee as a sUtve daring his life have this day released and do hj
these presents release him from any farther service as a slave.
And I do by these presents 6om myself, iny heirs, exeeators and administrators
declare him, the said Peter Oreen, to be free to act for himself and no longer under
bonds as a slave. Provided, however, that the said Peter Green shall pay to me the
snm of one thousand dollars, good lawful money or work for the service, from the
present time until the first day of April, A. D. 1854.
In Testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my hand and Scroll for Seal, at
Quartsburge, this 5th day of February, A. D., one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Thomab Thobn. (Seal)
In the presence of Benjamine F. Gadell, Jr., Joseph A. Tiry, I hereby notiiV that
the above obligation has been complied with and that Peter Green was legally dis-
charged.
Given under my hand at Quartsburge, this day of August, A. D., 1855.
Jamxs Givxns, Justioe of the Peaee.
Eldobado Countt Bboobdbb's Offiok
Btcobd Book ''A" (Miscellany, p. 541).
John A. Beichabdt,
Tatlob Barton
to
NnaoBoB
Emancipation.
Statb or Gaufobnia,
GOUNTT OF EUXttADO.
Cold Spbinos Pbboinot.
Know all men to whom these presents shall come: That I. Taylor Barton, lately a
eitisen of the State of Missouri, and owner of slaves, do here by this instrument, under
my hand and Seal, given this ninth day of October, in the year of our Lord eighteen
hundred and fifty-one, set Free from Bondage to me and all men, my slave Bob, and
do declare him forever hereafter his own man, wherever he may go. Nevertheless, I
make this condition that the said Bob shall remain with me as my slave, faithful and
obedient unto me, until the twenty-fifth day of December next, commonly known as
Christmas.
Witness my hand and seal on the day and date aforesaid.
TAYum Babton. (Seal)
In the presence of
WOiUAic F. Emebson. December 25, 1851.
I do hereby declare my slave Bob, to be forever free from and after this date.
Tatlob Babton. (Seal)
In the presence of L G. Canfield, Justice of the Peace.
Filed for Becord, January 5, 1852, at 4 P. M.
John A. Beiohabdt,
Beoorder of Eldorado County, Calif omia.
Saicubl Gbanthan
to
Albok Long.
Statb of Gaufobnia, Eldobaoo Countt.
Dbxd of Manumission.
Know all men by these presents that I, Samuel A. Granthan, of the county and
State aforesaid, acting by Power of Attorney vested in me by Oliver Granthan, of St.
Louis, State of Missouri, acting for and in behalf of said Oliver Granthan, and in con-
sideration of the snm of four hundred dollars to me in hand paid, the same to receive
to the benefit of the said Oliver Granthan, have this day liberated, set free and fully
and effectually manumitted Aleck Long, heretofore a slave for life, the lawful proper^
of the said Oliver Granthan. Digitized by vj^v/v i^
OF CALIFOBNIA 85
The deteiiption of said Aleek Long, being as follows to-wit: About flfty-feven
years old, five feet, ten inelies in hei^t, gray ludr, dark eomplezion with a scar on the
inside of the left leg above the ankle, l^e said Aleck Long to enjoy and possess now
and from henceforth the full exercise of all the rights, benefits and priyileges of a free
man of color, free of all or any claim to servitude, slavery or service of the said Oliver
Granthan, his heirs, executors, and assigns, and all other persons claiming, or to claim,
forever.
In testimony of this Seal of Manumission, I have this day signed my name and
aiBxed my seal this second day of March, 1892, at 4 P. M.
Samukl a. Gxanthan,
Attorney for Oliver Qranthan.
State of Califc»nia,
GOUNTT OF ETiPORAPO.
Personally appeared before me, William Palmer, who makes oath and says that
Samuel Oran^an, whose name appears in the accompanying Seal of Manumission as a
party thereto, did freely, voluntarily and of his own will, execute to and subscribe the
same for the use and purpose therein contained.
Witness my hand and seal this 2nd day of March, 1852, A. B., at 4 P. M.
Gavin D. Hall,
Jiidge of Bldorado Cowiiy,
J. A. BnOHABDT,
Beoorder for Bldorado County, CaUfomia.
Recorder's office, Eldorado Oounty, Becord Book ''A" (Miscellany, p. 545).
K H. Tatlob
to
Dbknis Avizbt.
Slavs Bsleass.
To all whom it may concern: This is to certify that Dennis Aviery has been my
slave in the State of Georgia for about the term of eight years, but by virtue of money
to me in hand paid, he is free and liberated from all allegiance to my authority. .
Goloma, Eldorado Oounty, Oalifomia, February 8, 1851.
Witness, GiOBGS Sgall.
State of Oaufobnia,
Eldorado CknrNTT.
On this day, the eighth of February, A. D., 1851, personally appeared before me,
the Becorder of said county, E. H. Taylor, satisfactorily proven to me to be the person
described herein who executed ^e foregoing instrument of liberating his negro slave
by the oath of (George ScaU, a competent witness for that purpose, by me duly sworn,
and the said E. H. Taylor, acknowledging that he executed the same freely and volun-
tarily for the use and purpose therein mentioned.
In testimony thereof, I, John Beichardt, Becorder for the said county, have hereunto
signed my name, and affixed the seal of said office at Ooloma, this day of year first
above written.
John A. Bbiohabot,
Beoorder of Bldorado County,
Filed for Becording, February 8, 1851, at 9 o'clock A. M.
John A. Buohasdt.
Becorder 's office, Becord Book ''A" (Miscellany, p. 335).
This indenture made and entered into this 14th day of August, A. D., 1860, between
A. J. Houstis, as County Judffe of Humboldt Oountv, for and in behalf of a certain
Indian boy, called and known by the name of "Smokey" of the first part, and Austin
'WUej of the said county, of the second part. That whereas, the said Austin Wiley had
in his possession and under his control a certain Indian boy named ''Smokey," and
whereas, the said Austin Wiley avers that he, with the assistance of James Frint,
obtained said Indian of his parents in Mattole Valley of this county, by and with their
consent; and whereas the said Austin WUey does now apply to me as Ooun^ Judge, to
bond and apprentice the said boy ''Smokey" to him according to law to learn the art
of household duties about his premises, and in this respect to hold the relation of an
apprentice un^ he shall arrive at the lawful majority, the age of twenty-five years, or
for the term of seventeen years next following this hidenture, the boy being now con-
86 THE NBGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
•iderod eight jeatn of age; and whereas^ it appears to me thai the eeeond party in this
agreement has obtained this boj in a lawful manner without fnmd or compression, and
that the boy ''Smc^ey" therefore eomes justly under the first proyision of the law
providing for apprentkediip approved AprU 8, A. D^ 1860.
Now, therefore, I, A. I>. Houstis, County Judge aforesaid, in eonsideration of tha
premises and aeting for and on behalf of the aforesaid Indian boy "8mokey," do by
these presents bind and apprentice as above stated the said boy ''Bmokey" to Austin
Wiley for and during the term of seventeen years next foUowing this indenture;
entitling him aeeording to law to have the care, custody, control and earnings of said
boy during said period and all other advantages and responsibilities growing out of
this indenture and apprenticeship that the law contemplates.
And the said Austin Wiley, the second party, in this agreement doth hereby agree,
obligate and bind himself that he will truly and faithfully discharge all obligations <hl
his part growing out of this indenture, according to law. That he will suitably clothe
and provide the necessaries of life for the said boy, during his term of indenture. That
he will in all respects treat him in a humane manner, ^lat he will not take him out
of the State, nor transfer him lo any party not known in this agreement without the
consent of legal authorities endorsed thereon, and that in all respects he wiU carry
out every provision of law that contemplates the safety, protection and well being of
said boy.
In witness whereof, the parties to this indenture hereunto set their hand and seal
this day first above written.
A. J. Housns, County Judge, First Party.
Austin Wilst, Second Party.
Stati of Oalu<qrnu,
Humboldt Gountt.
And now comes Austin Wiley and deposes as follows: ''The statements made by
me in the preamble to this indenture referring to the age of the Indian boy 'Smokey'
and the manner in which I obtained him are true to the best of my knowledge and
belief.
Austin Wilkt.
Sworn to and subscribed before me on this 14th day of August, A. D., 1860.
A. J. Houbtis,
Cimnty Judge of Hwmhoidt CoutUy.
This is one paper f rOm a coUection of 105 in the Court House at Eureka. Austin
Wiley, whose name appears in the document, was later appointed Superintendent of
Indian Affairs for Calif omia, and, during his term of ofAce, did much to bring to a
satisfactory termination the trouble then existing between the settlers and the natives.
These above Freedom Papers were kindly furnished the writer by Dr. Owen Coy, Cali-
fornia Archivest. The following papers were obtained by the writer:
History of Butte County, California (p. 199), reads: ''Subscribed and sworn to
before me at this office at White Bock, this, the nineteenth day of April, A D. 1853. The
first document in the records of the County of Butte is the Deed of Manumission by
Franklin Stewart to the slave, Washington, a copy of which we give below. Another
instrument of the same nature appears on the records of 1851, in which William Comp-
ton sets free his slave, Joseph Compton, for two years of faithful service, a curious
feature of this document being the inability of the master to sign his own name, making
his mark instead.
" 'Fan Papsbs of the Sl4vb.
** 'Washington, from Franklin Stewart.
" 'State of California,
" 'County of Butte.
" 'Enow all men b^ these presents, that Franklin Stewart, of the County and State
aforesaid, do for and in consideration of seventeen years of faithful service of my
slave, Washington, rendered by him in the States of Arkansas and Missouri, do hereby
set free and emancipate him, the said slave; his age about thirty-three years, color
slight copper; and fully relinquish all rights in the said i^ve, Washington, which I
might be entitled to in law or equity.
" 'Given under my hand and seal this 4th day of May, A. D., 1852.' "
The foUowing is quoted from a copy of the Paoifio Appeal of 1863: "Benjamin
Berry, who was bom a slave in Kentucky, taken to Missouri and then sold to a man by
the name of Halloway, with whom he came to this State in 1850. Here he performed
services supposed equivalent to $3,000, and obtained his Freedjq|||J^pe|^50vL^
OP CALIFORNIA 87
The following is quoted from Baneroft's ''Hietory of CaUfornia": ''On Maj 28,
1850, a colored man named Lawrence was married to a colored woman, Margaret, who
WBB hired out to service by a i^te man named William Murr, who claimed her as his
slaye. Early the following morning Marr forced the woman, by threats and showing a
j&Btolf to leave her husband and go with him. He afterwards offered to resign her on
payment of $1000. (Placer Times, May 27, 1850).
''A white man, named Best, brought a colored woman (Mary) to Nevada, OaH-
fomia, in 1860, from Missouri. He was a cruel master, but she remained with him
until he returned in 1854, when she borrowed money to purchase her freedom. Soon she
married Harry Dorsey, a colored man, and lived happily ever afterward.''
Daniel Bodgers came to California with his master in '49, and worked in the mines,
and at night for himself, earning the sum of $1000 which he paid to his master for his
freedom. He was not given either a receipt or his Freedom Papers. He returned with
his master to Arkansas and in after years decided to return to California and bring his
family, whereupon his master auctioned him off to the highest bidder. A number of
white gentlemen who knew him raised a purse of money and bought him; afterwards
giving him a certificate to prove that the person by the name of Daniel Bodgers was a
Iree man of color.
One of Mr. Bodgers ''daughters, now living in Oakland, gave the writer the privilege
of wi ^Vrng the following copy of the original certificate, for its reproduction in this book:
''Dardanell, TeU County, Arkansas, April 80, 1859.
"We the undersigned citizens of Yell county, Arkansas, having been personally
acquainted with the bearer, Daniel Bodgers, a free man of color, for many years past
and up to the present time, take pleasure in certifying to his character for honesty,
industry and integrity; also as a temperate and peaceful man; and one worthy of
trust and confidence of all philanthropic and good men wherever he may go.
''Signed by: Bobert E. Walters, George Williams, Joseph Miles, W. H. Spirev,
L. D. Parish, Qeorge L. Kimble, Samuel Dickens, Haunis A. Hawill, A. Ferril, James A.
Baird, WilUam A. Boss, C. M. Mundock, A. H. Fulton, Joseph P. Williams, B. L
Jacoway.
"BiTiKi Johnson,
"Cavnty Judge.*'
The daughter permitted the writer also to copy an extract from a paper, which
was given to Daniel Bodgers' wife, whose maiden name was Miss Artimisa Penwright.
fihe was forced to produce her Freedom Papers before she could accompany her husband
OB the trip to California. This extract states: "Artimisa Penwright was the daughter
of her mistress by a negro man, and neither she nor any of her children were to ever be
slaves."
l%e United States slave laws were so strict, and the fugitive slave laws so far-
reaching in their interpretation that this was not the only person who was compelled
to have Freedom Papers before starting to California, as will be shown by the following,
which is quoted from a copy now in possession of Dr. Owen C. Coy, California Archivest,
and which he copied from page 95 of an old scrap book owned by John T. Mason, at
Pownieville, California:
"Virginia, Hampshire County, to-wit:
"David Brown, a black man, aged twenty-two years, five feet, eight inches high,
with pleasant countenance, a scar on the forefinger of the left hand, a scar on the
shin of each leg, and was bom free.
"Begistered this day October, 1834.
"In testimony whereof I, John B. White, Clerk of said County Court of Hampshire,
have hereto set my name and affixed the Seal of the said Court this 27th day of
October, 1834.
"John Whptb,
** Cleric of Hampshire County.
''Attest:
"John Bbadt, a Justice of the Peace for the said county."
"Whereas, by reason of the anxiety of various persons residing in and near Lancas-
ter, Ohio, to emigrate to Marysville, in California; and the difficulty of procuring passage
by water, Thomas Sturgeon and Samuel Crim, of Lancaster, Ohio, have agreed to unite
themselves together as partners for the purpose of transporting from Lancaster to Marys-
TiUe, aforesaid by land, a company of emigrants; it is therefore agreed between the
•aid Sturgeon and Crim and David Brown, (written in) as follows, to- wit: Agrees
to pay the said Sturgeon and Crim one hundred and fifty dollapytiHSB^^N^ oC^f^^
88 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
is paid in hand and the balanee is to be paid before aaid Sturgeon and Crim start to
Oalif omia, which shall be between the first and fifteenth of April next.
''(2) Should the said David Brown fail to make payment as above stated he
thereby agrees to forfeit the amount paid on this contract.
" (3) Full payment being made as aforesaid, the said Sturgeon and Crim to trans-
port the said David Brown from Lancaster, aforesaid, to Mi^sviUe, aforesaid, and
elear of all expenses, or charges (board included) except as aforesaid but they are not
bound to furnish clothing or to pay doctor's bills.*** "*
"In witness whereof the parties have hereto signed and sealed duplicate this 28th
day of February, A. D., 1852.
"Beceived MacLurin's obligation for $50.00.
''Thomas Stubcton. (Seal)
"Saicuil Cbim. (Seal)
' ' David Beown. (Seal) ' '
"Fugitive Slave. The following appeared in the Alia Ckdifomian, April 20, 1858:
'A person by the name of Brown attempted to have a negro girl arrested in our town
a few days since as a fugitive slave, but was taken all a-back by the girl's lawyer,
P. W. Thomas, producing her Freedom Papers. Brown's father set the girl at liberty
in 1851, and it is thought by many that the son knew the fact, and thought to catch
the girl without her Freedom Papers but fortunately for her he did not.* — Placer
Times. (Aubwm Herald.) ' '
"The Isthmus in '49" appeared in the Century Magaeine and, among other things,
said: "Fremont and '49 Saunders was to return with the Fremonta, happy in having
gained enough money to buy the freedom of his family, enough to buy a home as well;
one successful '49er. at least."
"State of California, )
"County of Los Anoxlbs. j "*"
"Before the Hon. Benjamin Hayes,
"Judge of the District Court of the
"first Judicial District State of California,
"County of Los Angeles.
"In the matter of Hannah and her children, Ann (and Mary, child of Ann), Law-
rence, Nathaniel, Jane, Charles, Marion, Martha, and an infant boy two weeks old; and
of Biddy and her children, EUen, Ann and Harriet, on petition for habeas corpus. Now
on this nineteenth day of January, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred
and fifty-six, the said persons above named are brought before me in the custody of the
Sheriff of said County, all except the said Hannah and infant boy two weeks oid( who
are satisfactorily show^ to be too infirm to be brought before me), and except Law*
rence, (who is necessarily occupied in waiting on his said mother Hannah) and Charles
(who is absent in San Bernardino County, but within the said Judicial District) and
Robert Smith, claimant, also a]^pears with his Attorney. Alonzo Thomas, Esq. And
after hearing, and duly considenng the said petition for nabeas corpus and the return
of said claimant thereto, and all the proofs and aUegations of the Mid parties and aU
the proceedings previoudy had herein, it appearing satisfactory to the Judge here that
all the said persons so sidng in this case to-wit: Hannah and her children, and Biddy,
and her said children are persons of color, and that Charles, aged now six years, was
bom in the Territory of Utah, of the United States, and Marion (aged four years),
Martha (aged two years), Mary, daughter of the said Ann, and aged two years, and the
said infant boy aged two weeks, were born in the State of California, and that the said
Hannah, Ann, Lawrence, Nathaniel, Jane, and Charles as well as the said Biddy, Ellen,
Ann, and Harriet have resided with the said Bobert Smith for more than four years, and
since some time in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and fifty-one in
the State of California; and it further appearing that the said Bobert Smith left and
removed from the State of Mississippi more than eight years ago with the intention of
not returning thereto, but establishing himself as a resident in Utah Territory, and
more than four years ago left and removed from said Utah Territory with the intention
of residing and establishing himself in the State of California, and has so resided, in the^
last mentioned State, since some time in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred'
and fifty-one. And it further appearing by satisfactonr proof to the Judge here, that
all the said persons of color are entitl^ to their freedom and are free and cannot ba
held in slavery or involuntary servitude, it is therefore argued that they are entitled
to their freedom and are free forever. And it further appearing to the satisfaction of
the Jndffe here that the said Bobert Smith intended to and is about to remove from the
State of CaUf omia where slavery does not exist, to the State|^oi[ J'^n^i^^jyf ^very
OP CALIPOENIA 89
of Negroeii and persons of color does exist, and established bj the municipal laws, and
intends to remove the said before-mentioned persons of color, to his own use without
the free will and consent of all or any of the said persons of color, whereby their lib-
erty will be greatly jeopardized, and there is good reason to apprehend and believe
that they may be sold into slavery or involunta^ servitude and the said Bobert Smith
is persuading and enticing and seducing said persons of color to go out of the State of
Calif omia, and it further appearing that none of the said persons of color can read and
write, and are almost entirely ignorant of the laws of the state of Oalifomia as well
as those of the State of Texas, and of their rights and that the said Bobert Smith,
from his past relation to them as members of his family does possess and exercise over
them an undue influence in respect to the matter of their said removal insofar that
they have been in duress and not in possession and exercise of their free will so as
to give a binding consent to any engagement or arrangement with him. And it fur-
ther appearing that the said Hannah is thirty-four years, and her daughter Ann, seven-
teen, and all of her children, to-wit: Lawrence (aged from twelve to thirteen years),
Nathaniel (aged from ten to eleven), Jane (aged eight yeari), Oharles (aged six years),
Marion (aged four years), Martha (aged two years) and said infant boy of Hannan,
aged two weeks, as well as Mary (aged two years), daughter of said Ann, are under
the age of fourteen years and so under the laws of the State of Oalifomia, are not
competent to choose a guardian for themselves; and it further appearing that the said
Biddy is aged thirty-eight years, and the said EUen is aged seventeen years, and the
other children of said Biddy, to-wit: Ann (aged from twelve to thirteen) and Harriet
(aged eight years), are under the age of fourteen years), and so by the laws of the
State of Oalifomia, are not competent to choose a guardian for themselves. It fur-
ther appearing that the said infant boy two weeks of age of Hannah is of tender age
and must be kept with his said mother, Hannah, the same is accordingly ordered and
said infant boy is entrasted to his said mother hereby, and is ordered to appear with
him before the Judge — ^here at the Oourt House, in the Oity of Los Angeles, on next
Monday, January 1, 1856, at ten o'clock, a. m., of said day, if her healfii should per-
mit and if not, as soon thereafter as may be practicable, of which the Sheriff of Los
Angeles is thereby notified to notify her, the said Hannah, and whereof the said
Bobert Smith, being now in the Oourt, has notice, it appearing that she resides in his
house and is under his control, and the said Mary, child of Ann, appearing to be of
tender age, is entrusted to the said Ann, to be brought before the Judge here at the
time and place aforesaid, to be dealt with according U) law of which the said Ann and
the said Bobert Smith have notice here and the said Martha, being of tender years, is
entrusted to the said Ann, her sister, to be brought before the Judge here at the tLne
and place aforesaid to be dealt with according to law of which the said Ann and the
said Bobert Smith here have notice and the said Hannah and Ann, are appointed Special
Guardians respectively of the children so hereby entrusted to them, and notified that
it is their duty to obey all lawful orders of the Judge here or of some competent Oourt
touching the premises, and the further hearing of this case as to the said Hannah, and
the infant boy and her children, Lawrence, Oharles, Mary and Martha, is adjourned
until said last mentioned time at the Oourt House of the Oity of Los Angeles, and it
is further ordered, that the said Nathaniel (aged from ten to eleven years), Jane (aged
eight years), Marion (aged four years), all children of the said Hannah, and said cMld
Ann (aged seventeen), and Harriet (aged eight years), are committed to the custody
of the Sheriff, of Los Angeles Oounty, David W. Alexander, Esq.; as Special Guardian
until the further order of the Judge, here or of other Judge or Oourt of competent juris-
diction to appoint General Guardians, of aforesaid children last mentioned and the
said Sheriff will leave in full liberty and discharge the said Biddy and her child Ellen,
(aged seventeen years), and the said Ann, only being required to obey the said orders
hereinbefore made to appear before the Judgs here in manner and form aforesaid, and
it further appearing that the said Oharles is absent in San Bemardi)io Oounty, within
said Jurisdiction District. It is ordered that Bobert Olift, Esq., Sheriff of said county,
be and is hereby appointed Special Guardian of said Oharles, and as such duly author-
ized and required to take said Oharles in his custody, and him safely keep in such
manner that said Oharles shall not be removed out of the State of Oalifomia, but shall
abide the further order of the Judge here or other Judge or Oourt of competent Juris-
diction touching his Guardianship. And it is further ordered and adjudged that all the
cost accrued in the case up to the present date and in executing the present order of
the Judge here as to the production of said Hannah and her said infant two weeks old,
and said Lawrence, Martha and Mary, before the Judge here as aforesaid, shall be
paid by the said Bobert Smith.
Digitized by V3V/VJV LK.
90 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
''Given iindeT my hand as Judge of the first Judicial District of the State of GaM-
f ornia, on the 19th day of January, A. D. 1850, at the City of Los Angeles.
''Benjamin Hatss,
"Distriei Judge.
"On this 19th day of January appeared the said Bobert Smith by his attorney,
Alonso Thomas, Esq., and moves the Judge hereto the cost in this ease which is taken
under advisement until Monday next at 10 o'clock a. m.
"Benjamin Hates,
**D%itnct Judge.
"On this Monday, January 2l8t, 1856, the said Smith and the said parties so or-
dered to appear as aforesaid do not appear and this cause is continued until tomorrow
at 10 o'clock a. m.
"Benjamin Hates,
"District Judge."
Slaves Emancipatbd in Gautobnia Thbouoh the Couets and Fbiends of the Nb(so Race
Betobe the Issuino of Pbssidsnt Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Pboclamation.
All white persons who lived in California during its pioneer days were not in
favor of slavery. They disliked it, and more than one has proven their dislike to
the institution of slavery by assisting in securing through the courts the emanci-
pation of Negro slaves held in California. Slaves did not, however, always tell when
they were thus held, for fear of not being able to prove their freedom with the Free-
dom Papers, which they were given after working for the master a given period in
the mines of California. The ensuing records will prove the statement.
The record of the following case was given to the writer by tpte daughter of the
subject. She said: "Biddy Mason came to California with her master, Bobert
Smith, coming from Hancock County, Mississippi, to Salt Lake, and as the Mormons
were going to San Bernardino, California, and since Mr. Smith's wife continued in
poor health, he decided to also go to California. Bobert Smith and his party of
slaves reached San Bernardino, California, in 1851. Their trip from Mississippi was
by ox team. Biddy Mason drove the livestock across the plains into California. There
were three hundred wagons in the ox team.
They remained in San Bernardino from 1851 to 1854, when the master decided to
take the slaves and his family to Texas. En route, they journeyed through Los
Angeles County, and camped in a canyon near Santa Monica, where they had spent
only a few days when the news reached Los Angles, through a Mrs. Bowen, of San
Bernardino, that these slaves were leaving California to go back into slavery in
Texas. The Sheriff of Los Angeles County, who, at that date (Jan. 19, 1854), was a
Mr. Frank Dewitt, issued a wnt against this slave-master, preventing him from tak-
ing his slaves from the State of California.
Mrs. Biddy Mason, the subject of this sketch, was one of the most wonderful
of all the colored pioneers coming into Califomia in this history. After securing
her freedom, she and her family went from this Santa Monica Canyon to Los Ajigeles.
She secured employment as a confinement nurse with Dr. Griffin. The first resolu-
tion she made to herself was that she would secure a home for her children, and
she began to save her money for that purpose.
The first piece of property she purchased was one that was considered on the
outskirts of town. After obtaining the deed to this property, she told her children
that this was always to remain as their homestead, and it mattered not what their
circumstances, they were always to retain this homestead. Elsewhere will be found
a full sketch of the useful life lived by Mrs. Biddy Mason, the leading trail blazer in
finance of the Negro race.
Bobert Anthony came with his master to Sacramento, Califomia, in 1852, from
St. Louis, Missouri, by ox team across the plains. Two years to pay for his freedom
he worked in the mines by day for the master. At night he worked for himself
and with the money thus earned he purchased and built two quartz mills at Horn-
cutt, Califomia, which is located between Yuba and Dry Cut.
While working his mills he heard of a colored girl at Hansonville, in the moun-
tains, who was being held as a slave. She was working as a sheepherder. He drove
out to the place and asked her if she did not wish her freedom. She replied: "Yes."
He requested her to get into his wagon and he drove with her to Colusa. Some time
afterward this slave girl became his wife. The writer inter^ewed the subject a few
years ago at the poor farm in Marysville, and he made the following remark in
regard to his marriage: "The marriage of Miss Addie Ta/tl^cy^ ^^^|(Kj<^ti^Anthony
OP OALIFOENIA 91
wms witneased hj AUen Pinkard amd Thomas Scott." He further stated that he had
an only son, who worked on one of the Hearst xM^ers, bat who had forgotten his
old father.
Mary Ann Harris, a yonng oolored girl, eame with the family of Dr. Boss from
Biehmond, Virginia. She worked as a nnrse girl for $4.00 a; month to pay for her
freedom. The doctor and family were stationed on the Island of Alcatras, in San
Francisco Bay. This girl was held virtually as a slave, so she told the writer, until
an old colored woman by the name of Aunt Lucy Evans stole her off the island
and gave her her freedom.
Bev. Thomas Starr King went to a ranch near Napa, Oalifomia, and emanci-
pated a number of slaves. Among the number were the^ following named persons:
Aaron Bice, Old Man Sours, Wash Strains, Old Man Sydes. Their names were given
to the writer by a Mr. Grider, who was a member of the Bear Flag Party. He said
that these persons were the slave-property of a gentleman in Walnut Creek, and had
been taken to Napa to continue as slaves, when the word reached Bev. Thomas Starr
King, who proceeded to go to this place and emancipate them.
The emancipation of Mrs. Jane Elizabeth Whiting and family is another inter-
esting event in the emancipation of slaves through the efforts of the colored people
of San Francisco. The subject of this sketch came from West Virginia with her
mistress and family, a Mrs. Thompson, whose oldest son acted as guide for the
party. These slaves were being taken to work on Mr. Thompson's ranch in Peta-
houna, California.
Howard Thompson, together with his mother and her children, and the party of
slaves, consisting of Mrs. Jane E. Whiting and her three children, and his mother's
five children, mifiide an interesting party to manage from Kanawa, West Virginia,
en route to California. They left their home in Virginia on a Sunday morning, June
1, 1856, going to New Orleans, where they boarded a steamer sailing to Aspinwall,
Isthmus of Panama. It was while at this port they first realized they were going
to a new world, where there was no slavery. The children in the party, both those
of the mistress and the sliive woman's, decided to go on a sightseeing party after
they had been comfortably located in a hotel. The natives, seeing this partv of
children, began to question them as to where they were going. The children inno-
cently told the truth, whereupon they were asked where they were stopping, and as
to whether the mother of the colored children was slave or free.
After learning where they were stopping, the natives went to the hotel and
asked to see the colored woman. When she appeared they asked her if e^e was free
and to produce her Freedom Papers. Since she was not free, she did not return to
talk with the party. Her actions aroused the suspicion of the natives, since it was
the law of their country that a slave could not cross it and remain a slave. They
spread the alarm among themselves, that slaves were being carried through the
country. This resulted in the forming of a mob on the outside. It was several days
before Mr. Thompson could convince the people that the colored people were his
servants and were willingly going to California with him.
^e party, however, met the same conditions upon reaching Panama City. The
feeling at this place was so strong against them that they left before the next
morning. Mr. Thompson hired some strong natives to carry the party out to the
boat on their backs, since the water was shallow. A party of small launches met
the party and finished the journey to the steamer, but the launches were compelled
to go up stream five miles and then out and across to the steamer, in an effort not
to arouse suspicion of kidnapping the party of colored people. The ladder of the
steamer was lowered to admit of their boarding the ship. When the captain saw
that there were colored people in the party, he drew his revolver and commanded
them to halt. Mr. Thompson, upon being questioned, stated to the captain that these
people were his private servants and were quite willingly aecompanyins him and his
mother to California. The captain was still in doubt as to the truthfulness of the
statement and demanded to know the reason why they were coming to the steamer
at such an early hour, since the steamer sent for its passengers at ten in the morning.
Whereupon Mr. Thompson told of the natives' suspicion that the colored people were
slaves and he feared trouble, since he could not make them understand. After a
long parley the captain finally allowed them to board the steamer.
Aboard the ship there were several AboUtionists from Boston, and a colored
man by the name of David Johnson, from New Bedford, Mass. This gentleman became
very much interested in the colored people and readily secured their confidence, and
learned that they were going to a ranch in Petaluma, California.
Tlieia newly-made friend and the white Abolitionist on board the steamer decided
that, since the laws of California did not permit of slavery, theyp^^j l^^i^n^f^f ^w|^
92 THE NEaSO TRAIL BLAZERS
to liberate these eolored sUvee after thej reached California. They decided to tell
the eolored woman that she and her children mnst be the first to land when the ship
docked, and that these newly-made friends would look ont for their safety. They
took them to a colored boarding house, at the comer of Kearney and Olay streetSy
Ban Francisco, which was known as the ''Harper A West Boarding House."
The news soon spread that a family of slaves from Virginia had arrived on the
steamship "John L. Stevens." The colored people in Ban Francisco held a mass
meeting and decided to protect them in every way possible. They decided that the
first thing to do would be to change their names from Whiting to Freeman, and then
secure for the mother some day's work. They instructed the children to keep the
shutters to their room always closed. But one day the children went out to f^y.
and a passenger who was on the ship that brought them to Ban Francisco recognized
and questioned them and afterwards wrote to Mrs. Thompson and told her where to
locate her slaves; Mrs. Thompson did not attempt to reclaim them. Strange to
relate, fifteen years afterward "Aunt Jane" and her former mistress met on the
streets of Ban Francisco, and recognized each other and talked together, learning
that for five weeks, while Mrs. Thompson was in search of these slaves, that they
were boarding within a short distance of them all the time, and yet she never located
them.
There was a number of slaves liberated in San Jose, California, through the com-
bined efforts of Bev. Peter Cassey, Mrs. Harriett Davis and a Mrs. White. Among
the number of slaves were a Mr. and Mrs. William Parker.
The colored people were united in their efforts to liberate slaves whenever they
heard of such on California's soil. Prominent among those who were ever watchful
for such were Bev. J. B. Sanderson, Mr. Minor and Bobinson, of Stockton, who,
together, went armed into San Joaquin County and liberated slaves. In many
instances the slaves refused to talk to them, since they had been told that the
colored people would harm them. These men, after a struggle in many instances,
succeeded in convincing them that they were their friends and finally rescued them.
The following case will illustrate some of their work, and is quoted from the diary
of Bev. J. B. Sanderson, with the permission of the family: "Monday, June 3, 1872 —
Dismissed school at nine o'clock; went out to Mr. Durham's ranch with Sheriff T»
Cunningham after Annie Bandall. I interviewed Mr. Durham; rode into town with
Annie Bandall; called upon Mr. Durham; took dinner at Mr. Cunningham's; attended
court before Judge Bonker. Annie Bandall released, and at my house. Attended
meeting this P. M., an enthusiastic meeting." The ranch where this slave girl was
found was near Stockton.
Through the efforts of Mr. William Bobinson, of Bed Bluff, a Miss Hester Ander-
son and Miss Belle Grant were liberated during the last of '68 or '69.
The following is quoted from Bancroft's "History of California": " 'Charles^
a colored man, came to California as the slave of Lindall Hays. He escaped and was
brought before Judge Thomas on a writ of habeas corpus and was discharged. The
Judge maintained t&t under the laws of Mexico, which prevailed at the time of
Charles' arrival, he was free. The Constitution of California forbade slavery, and
the man, having been freed by the Mexican laws, could not in any case be seized as
a slave. On the twenty-fourth of May Charles was brought up for breach of peace,
charged with an assault on Hays, as resistance to a sheriff. It turned out that the
sheriff had no warrant, and that Charles, having been declared a free man, was
justified in defending himself from assault by Hays and the unauthorized officer who
had assisted him. Counsellor Zabriske argued the law, also J. W. Winans. Justice
Saekett discharged the prisoner.— Ptoc<Jf Times, May 27, 1851.' "
Fay's statement:
"In August, 1850, one Galloway, from Missouri, arrived in California with his
slave, 'Frank,' whom he took to the mines, from which the slave escaped in the
spring of 1851, going to San Francisco. Galloway found him in March and locked
him ' up * in Whitehall Building on Long Wharf. A writ of habeas corpus was
issued in Frank's behalf by Judge Morris. The Negro stated that he believed Gal-
loway meant to take him on board a vessel to convey him to the States. Bryne and
McAlgay, Halliday and Saunders were employed in the interest of the slave, and
Frank Pixley for the master, who alleged that he was simply traveling with his
attendant and meant to leave the States soon. But the judge held that Galloway
could not restrain Frank from his liberty as he was not a fugitive slave, but if brought
at all to the State by Galloway, was so brought without his consent. He was allowed
to go free." — ^Alta, California, April 12, 1851. San Franoiico Cowrier, March 81, 1851
(Borthwick, 164-5), Hayes Scrap Book (Hughes Ms. 1-28). ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^^ ,^ ,^
^ »//*«-^-o f Digitized by V3V/V-/VLV
OF CALIFORNIA
ATTORNEY E. BURTON CERUTI
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THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
MME. SADIE CHANDLER-COLE
Musical Instructor.
MME. FLORENCE COLE-TALBERT
Diamond Medalist and Lyric Soprano.
MISS JUANITA ALICE PATTON
Lyric Soprano.
DR. RUTH J. TEMPLE
First Colored Woman Physician in
the State.
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y
OF QAUFOBNIA »5
OuMs like the aboTe jnat quoted were paid tor throvgli the efforts of aU the
celored people throughout the Btste, who contributed fre^ to the ezpenee of the
•nployineiit of lawyers.
While q»eaki]iff of slavery in Oalif omia, and the numerous laws to prevent Free
Heigroes from coming to or residing in the State, and the number of colored people
who left the State and went to live in Canada, and afterward returned to fi^^t it
oat in CSalif omia, there was one Negro woman who left the State also to go to Canada.
Any of the old* pioneer colored people, when asked concerning her, imm^iately begin
to tell all sorts of queer stories about her, and usually end hy saying: ''She always
wore a poke bonnet and a plaid shawl," and ''she was very black, with thin lips."
Then sometimes they will also add: "She handled more money during pioneer days
in California than any other colored person."
It will not interest the average colored person of today, in California, whether
this strange woman was a witch or a great financier, but the following story con-
cerning her activities with the hero, John Brown, of Harper's Ferry, will interest
more tiian one. While the general public may have criticized her life, as they thought
tlvey knew it, nevertheless, if the story which I am relating be true, she was in dis-
guise a modem "Queen Esther." A colored lady once told the writer that the
mysterious woman — ^who was her personal friend — had said to her that she had no
respeet for white people because of the way they had treated her when she was a
dave, and that she purposed to rule them with an iron hand. From the different
stories told concerning her^ she knew the morals of pioneer California, and if history
be true, more than one pioneer man and woman did things that thev would rather
the court records did not mention. Yet the world passes over their faults and says
that they were pioneers, and had made it possible for the State to become such, and
that they had developed its resources. Charity is thrown over the faults of these
pioneer empire-builders; then why may not a little charity be spared to this black slave
woman, who was really a pioneer character of early San Francisco f
This story was given to the writer by a Mr. William Stephens, of Oakland,
California (now at Del Monte), who said: "While on the private car of Mr.
Crocker, and while the car was at one time in the railroad yards at Point Levy,
Quebec, Canada, I was engaged in conversation with the foreman of the yards, who,
^ter learning that we were from San Francisco, asked if I had ever seen 'Mammy
Pleasants.' I said I had, and he then told me that his father had been a Canadian
Labor Commissioner before the Civil War, and also had been connected with the
Underground Bailroad (a society organized to assist Negro slaves to escape to Cuiada).
When the slaves reached Canada, his father, as Labor Commissioner, had seen to
their securing work, that they might not become public charges."
This foreman of the railroad yards further told Mr. Stephens that his father
had seen "Mammy Pleasants" give John Brown a large sum or money, and that this
money was used by John Brown in financing his raid on Harper's Ferry. Mr.
Stephens said that he paid no attention to this story because of the fact that he had
never heard anyone in California say that "Mammy Pleasants" had been to Canada.
But a number of years afterward, at the death of "Mammy Pleasants," there appeared
in the San Francisco Chronicle and CaU a wonderful biography of the woman which
Mr. Stephen saved, and from which the writer was permitted to make the foUowing
copy:
San Francisco Catt, January 4, 1904: "Her epitaph is written; the tombstone
of 'Mammy Pleasants'- will express her loyalty to the hero of Harx>er's Ferry. Tribute
to John Brown, remains of woman who gave him financial assistance are borne to last
resting place. The remains of 'Mammy Pleasants,' who died earlv Monday morning
at the home of Lyman Sherwood, on Filbert street, will rest tonight under the soO
of the Httle cemetery in the town of Napa, to which her body was taken this mann-
ing.- One last request of 'Mammy Pleasants' was that there be placed above her
grave a tombstone bearing her name, age, nativity, and the words: 'She was a
a friend of John Brown's.' One of the many interesting stories of her eventful
career, told by Mrs. Pleasants, was her experience during the exciting times preceding
the outbreak of the Civil War. With the money inherited from her first husban^
she came to California, and was here in 1858, when the first news of John Brown's
efforts to free the slaves of the South were conveyed to San Francisco. Being in
full (sympathy with the movement, she conceived the idea of lending him financial
assistance for the undertaking, and April 5. 1858, found her eastward bound with
a $30,000 United States treasury draft, which had been procured for her through
the aid of Bobert Swain, John W. Coleman and Mr. Alford.
"Beaching Boston, Mrs. Pleasants arranged for a meeting with John Brown in
Windsor, Canada. Before leaving Boston, Mrs. Pleasants had her draft exchanged
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96 THE NBGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
for Oanadian paper, which she converted into coin and finally turned over to Brown.
After a conference in Canada, it was agreed between them that he should not strike
a blow for the freedom of the Negro until she had journeyed to the South and had
aroused the feelings of rebellion among her people. Disguised as a jockey, she pro-
ceeded to the South, and was engaged in her part of the plot when she was startled
by the news that Brown had already made his raid on Harper's Ferry and had been
captured. Learning that the authorities were in pursuit of Brown's accomplices,
Mrs. Pleasants immediately fled to New York; and, after remaining in hiding for
some time, assumed another name and made her way back to. California.
''When Brown was captured, there was found on his person a letter reading:
'The ax is laid at the root of the tree. When the first blow is struck, there will be
more money to help.' The message was signed 'W. E. P.' For months the authorities
vainly searched for the author of the message. In later years it developed that Mrs.
Pleasants had written the letter, but in signing it she had made her first initial
'M' look like 'W.' Mrs. Pleasants always blamed Brown for hastening his attack
at Harper's Ferry, which she claimed cost her in all over $40,000. Among her
effects are letters and documents bearing upon the historical event in which she
played a secret and important part."
It may interest the reader to know that in 1864, about the first of October, the
family ^of John Brown, of Harper's Ferry fame, reached California. They came
across the plains and reached a meadow near Bed Bluff, Csdifomia, on the above-
named date. They spent the fall on the meadow and afterward removed into Bed
Bluff upon the approach of winter. One of the daughters, "Sara," accepted a
position in the public school at Bed Bluff, teaching for a number of years, during
which she had as a pupil a colored student by the name of Miss Clara LofipEtn, who
today lives in San Francisco, and is the widow of Ihe late Mr. Albert Frazier. Miss Sara
Brown later in life moved to the Santa Cruz Mountains, between Los Gates and
Saratoga, where she recently died. Another daughter, Mrs. Buth Brown-Thompson,
located in Pasadena, California, as did also their brother, Owen Brown.
Betuming to the subject of "Mammy Pleasants": If reports be true of her
activities as financial adviser to disting^shed white gentlemen in California, she
must have come into possession of the cold facts that men were selling Negro slaves
and were making great fortunes from their labor in the mines of California. She
realized that after the Negroes had worked sufficiently long to pay the price asked
for their freedom in California, and with the crude manner of living then in the
State, there soon would be a race of free Negroes in California, with neither health
nor government protection. She had great confidence in John Brown's sincerity,
and believed that, together with her help, he would start a bold dash for freedom for
an slaves. The mere fact that she went to Boston before starting on this history-
making and daring undertaking will readily recall the fact that Boston was the
home of the great Abolitionists, and that all the workings through the Underground
Bailroad were directed from there. It was the home of the immortal William Lloyd
Garrison, Sumner and our own Hon. Fred. Douglass. The sincere friends of the Negre
slaves were in Boston. This California black woman may have spent her remaining
days, for all anyone knows, in an effort to repay the money given to John Brown,
notwithstanding the following, which appeared in the San Franciseo News-Letter and was
republished in the Oaklomd Trxb^niie, September 8, 1916:
"The true story of 'Mammy Pleasants': The recent sale of oil lands of the
Bell estate for $1,800,000 has created a flutter in oil circles. Not many years ago
this same land was hawked about San Francisco by parties who had the option on it
for . $16,000, and there were no buyers. It seems a queer thing, that while there
waftoU on three sides of the land, no one could be persuaded into the idea that it was
to «e found in that particular tract. Some twenty or more of San Francisco's capi«
talists are now metaohorically kicking themselves for their lack of venture, when
they had such a chance to admit opportunity knocking at their doors.
''In this connection, some paDers have stated that Thomas Bell was induced
to buy this land by old 'Mammy Pleasants,' his housekeeper and servant, when she
was with him in the old 'House of Mystery' on Octavia street. As a matter of
fact, Mrs. Pleasants built that house and owned it, and never was Tom Bell's
servant or the servant of anyone else while she lived in San Francisco. She was his
personal friend and business advisor, and for years was supposed to exercise some
oncanny power over him.
"Mrs. Pleasants was a wonderful woman, with a dominating mind, and b^^
everyone about her to her wilL She was bom a slave in (Georgia, and worked aji a
eotton picker on a plantation. One day a planter named ^r^||^t(^§^^tfl^ask^lthe
OP CALIFORNIA 97
wajy as he was riding past on horseback. Her ready reply and bright mentality so
attracted his attention that he told her owner that she was too smart to be a slave
and purchased her freedom for $600. He sent her to Boston to be educated, but
the family to whose keeping she was entrusted failed to keep faith and merely made
her a drudge.
"She came to San Francisco in 1849, with $50,000 in gold from the sale of Onban
bonds from her first husband's estate. His name was idezander Smith. His home
in Boston was a resort for such men as William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips and the
coterie of men who advocated the abolition of slavery. On his deathbed Smith
made his wife promise to use his legacy in the liberation of daves. When she came
to San Francisco, California, she loaned out money at 10 per cent per month and
accumulated a fortune.
''She had a stormy life. In 1858 she carried out her husband's wishes by meeting
John Brown in Chatham, Canada, and giving him $30,000 to start the Harx>er's Ferry
fight. He bought 15,000 condemned government rifles with the money, at $2 apiece.
After Brown's capture letters from her, signed 'M £ P.,' were found upon his person.
The detectives, however, read her rough signature as 'W. £. P.,' and thus she evaded
them and reached California on a ship that came around Cape Horn. She escaped
detection by giving her ticket to a white woman, and sailed in the steerage under
an assumed name.
''When the famous divorce case of Sharon v. Sharon went to trial in this city,
Mrs. Pleasants backed the plaintiff to the extent of $65,000. It was claimed that
Tom Bell advanced the money to get even with Sharon, but such was not the case.
She had a way of taking sides wil£ the under-dog, and every cent advanced was her
own.
"Mrs. Pleasants was locked out of the 'House of Mystery' after the death of
Bell. At the time he fell over the bannisters in the night and was killed, it was
claimed that 'Mammy Pleasants' threw him over to get several hundred thousand
dollars that he left her in his wilL When the will was probated, however, it trans-
pired that she was not even mentioned. The motive, therefore, fell to the ground
and the case was dropped. Those who knew her intimately declared that her name
was omitted from the will at her own request. She argued that if she were remem-
bered in the will, some people might think the legacy was hush money, given her by
Bell to preserve silence over some dark spot in his Ufe.
Thomas Bell and she were rare, warm personal friends, and that was all there was
in the story. She was on friendly terms in the old days with most of the men in
San Francisco worth knowing — W. C. Balston, D. Q. Mills, Newton Booth, Lloyd
Tevis, David Terry and a score of other prominent men.
"It is claimed that she went into a trance and saw the future of the oil land
wealth, and induced Bell to buy. This story is all moonshine, as he was a practical
and matter-of-fact man and despised everything connected with the occult. Mrs.
Pleasants probably saw in this land a good place to raise beans, such as she used to
cook in Boston, and was governed in her choice solely by this idea.
"What irony there is in fatel After Bell's death she was locked out of the
'House of Mystery' and died in poverty in -a little place on Baker street, where
friends had given her an asylum. So ended the old colored woman who for years
was a power in San Francisco's affairs and who so largely aided in precipitating
the crisis that started the Civil War by furnishing John Brown with the funds to
start his historical raid at Harper's Ferry.
"Before her death she made a transfer of all her property to Sam Davis, of
Carson City, on the ground that he was the only person who came to her araistance
when she was thrown into insolvency and supposed to be in want. She also fur-
nished him the data with which to found the story of her life." ^
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CHAPTER X
FiBST C!oLOB]a> Sbttlebs of Caufobnia
Historians^ in their research work for material to write a true history of OaU-
fomiay have found it neeessary to qaote often from documents found in the Archives
of Mexico and Spain. One of the best and most scientific works published by the
Uniyersitj of Oakfomia, covering years of research work by the assistant Professor
of history, Mr. Charles Edward Chapman, is a book called ''Spanish California."
The writer of the ''Negro Trail-Blazers of California" has also found it necessary
to consult documents found in the Archives of Spain and Mexico.
There are a great many names given in the pioneer list of the Bancroft histories
which have been quoted from the Archives of ^ain. Some of these are those of
families which have been registered as a mixture of the Spanish and Negro races.
The writer spent fully a vear in research work in an effort to find the reason for
this register. In consulting with Professor Chapman, of the University of Cali-
fornia, as to the advisability of quoting the references in the Bancroft histories.
Professor Chapman stated that he had seen the originals in the Archives of Spain
while making research for his book, and that they were absolutely accuratelv quoted.
In further study and research work, especially after attending a course of lectures
by the greatest living historian, Hon. Henry Morse Stephens, who gave an interesting
course of lectures on Spanish California at the University of Cimfomia, the writer
was convinced of the advisability and justice of giving these names. This belief
was further strengthened after reading from the reliable historian. Sir Arthur Helps,
who, in his "Slavery in the Spanish Colonies," gives the slave laws governing the
colonies. A portion of these slave laws is quoted in this chapter and also the chapter
on "Slavery" in this book. The quotation is as follows:
"In a lengthy quotation from the Boyal Historiographer, Herrera, who speaks
of the king having informed the Admiral Don Diego Columbus, in 1510, that they
should send fifty Negroes to work in the mines of Hispaniola * * * Zuajo, the
judge of residence and the legal colleague of Las Casas, wrote to the same effect.
He, however, suggested that the Negroes should be placed in settlements and mar-
ried." Sir Arthur Helps further states, in quoting Las Casas 's colonization scheme
and the laws affecting free Negroes and Negresses: "Free Negresses, unless married
to Spaniards, should not wear gold ornaments, pearls and silk. Provision was made
that in the sale of children of Spaniards and Negresses, their parents should have
the right of pre-emption."
There was another clause in the king's colonization scheme that fully explains
why these names were recorded in the Archives of Spain. That clause said: "The
king was to give them lands of his own lands; furnish them with plowi(hares, spades
and provide medicine for them; lastly, whatever rights and property accumulated
from their holdings were to be hereditarv." The last quotation is very clear and
should be sufficient for the most prejudiced mind to fully understand the reason
many Negro families had Spanish names.
The writers of California history have also found that the early population of
California was composed of persons who migrated from Mexico and settled in Cali-
fornia. It has also been found that many were of the direct descendants of pioneer
families who had gone to Mexico under the colonization scheme of the king, as ^st
quoted; hence, under the Spaniel slave laws, they were registered in the Archives
of Spaiiit ftnd also their children, that they might enjoy the hereditary benefits of
the holdings and accumulations of their foreparents. As the king permitted the
Spaniards to marry the Negresses, their children were protected by the slave laws
of that period. This was sufficient reason for Mr. Bancroft, as a true historian,
to include their names as he found them in the Archives of Spain. It is the only
reason that the author has thought it worth while also to include them in the beginning
of the pioneer list of this book. In doing so she also suffers a pang of regret that
the United States government did not have such slave laws in the days when slavery
was permitted in the United States. Had there been such there would not today
be so many people with more white than Negro blood — people who all their lives
must endure the stigma of having come from an unlegalized union between the
white slave-master and his Negro uave-woman.
Mr. Bancroft, realizing that the i>eople of today are prejudiced against the
Negro race or anyone with Negro blood, had the following to say in volume 1,
page 4, of his "History ot the Native Baces of the Pacific Coast States": "Ana-
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OP CALIFOENIA »9
tomieally there is no difference between the Negro and European. The color of hia
akin, the texture of the hair, the eonvolutiona of the brain, and all other peculiari-
ties, may be attributed to heat, moisture and food. Man, though capable of subdu-
ing the world to him^lf, and of making his home under climates and circumstances
the most diverse, is none the less a child of nature, acted upon and molded by these
conditions which he attempts to govern; climate, periodicities of nature, materiial
surroundings, habits of thought and modes of life, acting through a long series of
ages, exercise a powerful influence upon human physical organization, and yet man
is perfectly created for any sphere in which he may dwell, and is governed in his
conditions by choice, rather than by coercion; articulate laying, which forms the
great line of demarcation between the human and brute creation, may be traced
in its leading characteristics to one common source. The differences between races
of men are not specific differences. The greater part of the flora and fauna of
America, those of the circum-polar region excepted, are essentially dissimilar to those
of the old world. While man in the new world, though bearing traces of high antiquity,
is specifically identified with all the races of the earth. It is well known that the
hybrids of plants and animals do not possess the power of reproducing; while in the
intermixture of races of man no such sterility of progenity can be found; therefore,
as there are no human hybrids, there are no separate human races or species, but
all are of one family. Besides being consistent with sound reasoning this theonr
can bring to its support the testimony of the sacred writings, and an internal evi-
dence of a Creator divine and spiritual, which is sanctioned by tradition and con-
firmed by most philosophic minds. Man, unlike animals, is the direct offspring of the
Creator, and as such he alone continues to derive his inheritance from divine source.''
This is indeed a fine tribute to pay to the Negro race and Negro people, not only
of the Pacific Coast but of the entire world.
Sir Harry Johnaton, in his "Negro in the New World," said: "But although
the Negro stUl possesses pithecoid characteristics long since lost by the Caucasian and
Ifongollan; although he comes of a stock which has stagnated in the African and
Amatic tropics uncounted, unprogressive milleniums, he has retained dormant the free
attributes of sapient humanity. He has remarkably ungaugeable capabilities."
Both of these masterful quotations are from the best known white writers of
history. The following is one from the pen of the greatest Negro historian, George
W. Williams, who says in his "History of the Negro": "And yet, through all
his interminable woes and wrongs, the Negro on the West Coast of Africa, in iSberia
and the Sierra Leona as well as in the southern part of the United States, shows
that centuries of savagehood and slavery have not drained him of all the elements
of his manhood. History furnishes us abundant and specific evidence of his capacity
to civilize and Christianize." This last quotation, coming from a great Negro writer,
shows that great minds are about the same in their opinion in regard to the Negro
race.
The writer, having given positive proof that the California historians have all traced
the beginning of the settlers in and of California to persons who had migrated from
Mexico and Spain, the following will give an account of the first Negroes on this
eoast, beginning with the mention of the Negroes in the North Mexican States.
The following quotation is from Bancroft, who, in his "History of the North
Mexican States," says, in speaking of the struggles of the Jesuits in establishing
the Mission of Loretto: "Having to wait for a craft promised by Sieppe, Salvatierra
made a visit to the scene of his former labors in the mountains, and later a revolt
in Tarahmara Alta required his presence, so that he was delayed till the middle
of August. Back at the Yaqui he found the 'Lancha' and 'Galliot,' and was greeted
by the commander with harrowing tales of perils escaped by 'Our Lady's' aid on
the way from Acapulco. The vessel was kept in waiting for nearly two months
longer, and, after all, was then greatly disappointed, chiefly because Father Kino
wras prevented by Indian troubles from joining the party, as he had intended, and
also because, for the same reason, only a small quantify of persons could be obtained.
Francis Maria Piccolo had been appointed in Kino's place, but was not waited for.
With a military escort of six men, a motley army with which Cortex himself might
have hesitated to undertake a conquest, Father Juan resolved to embark without
farther delay, a step characteristic of the man."
In a footnote of the chapter quoted, the names of the military escort are given
and also the Spanish references. It reads as follows: "The force was composed of
Barteloma de Bobles FiguTo, a Creole of Guadalajara; Juan, a Peruvian Mulatto;
also three Indians from Sinaloa, Sonora. Jalisco Bomero commanded thfi.vefl|sel,^and
there were six sailors on the 'Lancha.' " "Vm^W^y^K^^ls^
100 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Bancroft farther states (voL 5, p. 572): ''There is little to be said of the Jesuit
Mission in the last years; their expulsion from the Provinces, and American statistics,
from the Bishop's visita, the descriptive list and the Jesuit catalogue, corresponding
to those already given from Pimeria Alta and appended in a little note in which I
include the Province of Sinaola proper and Ostimuri, and to which I add Tamarep's
statistics of the southern coast provinces of Oulican to Bosario. From the items thus
represented we learn that in the territory corresponding to modem Sinaloa and
Sonora, during the last years of the Jesuits' era, there was a population of gonte
de raion of Spanish, Negro and mixed blood, amounting to 30,000 souls."
After the return of Portola from the trip through Northern California, in search
of the Bay of Monterey, shortly after he reached San Diego, the supply ship ''San
Antonio" hove in sight, thereby saving California from being deserted by the expe-
dition. The entire party afterward set out again to try to locate the Bay of Mon-
terey. They divided; part went by a land route, and the remaining members sailed
on the "San Antonio.'' When the ship finally cast anchor in the Santa Barbara
Channel she had many sick from scurvy; some were dying. She left part of her
crew, and Father Junipero Serra sailed with them to Monterey. After being con-
vinced that the bay was Monterey, and establishing a Mission, the reader is told
in Palou's Noticias that "The President Father celebrated the feast of 'Corpus
Christi' with a community of twelve friars." The historian, Bancroft, makes mention
of the Negro when he says (vol. I, p. 175): "The 'San Antonio' anchored at Mon-
terey, May 21, 1771. ^ On board with the President Father, Junipero Serra, were
twenty-three friars, who, after the founding of the Mission San Carlos, celebrated
the feast of 'Corpus Christi.' The first burial was on the day of the founding,
June 3, when Alezo Nuno, one of the San Antonio's crew, was buried at the foot
of the cross." In Palou's Noticias (voL I, p. 401): "The first interment in the
cemetery was that of Ignacio Ramirez, a Mulatto slave from the 'San Antonio,' who
h^ money to purchase his freedom."
The reader will readily recall that Palou was the lifelong friend of Father
Junipero Serra, having come with him from Spain to Mexico and hence to Cali-
fornia. He was associated with him during all his work on this coast in establishing
missions and Christianizing and civilizing the Indians. There can be no doubt
whatever of the truthfulness of a statement coming from Palou, who is considered
an eminent authority concerning the struggles and work of the Franciscans on this
coast, especially in California. According to this writer, the first Christian burial
in California, according to the rites of the Holy Catholic Church, were the remains
of a Negro slave, who had money to pay for his freedom. It is indeed a strange
coincidence that the last burial in this same cemetery was of the bones of Friar
Junipero Serra, which, after laying for a hundred years or more in the burial ground
connected with the Mission of l£in Carlos, near Monterey, were removed, in 1913,
under the auspices of the Young Men's Institute, to the burial ground of the Mission
Carmel, which is located at Carmel-by-the-Sea, and was the first ground consecrated
for a burial place in all of California.
The historian, H. H. Bancroft, in speaking of the founding of Los Angeles,
said: "The governor. Neve, issued his instructions for the founding of the Pueblo
of La Beina de Los Angeles from San Gabriel on the 26th day of August. While
agreeing with or literally copying the clause of the regulation which I have translated
in the preceding note this document contained many additional particulars respecting
the survey and distribution of lots. Of subsequent proceedings, for a time, we only
know that the pueblo was founded September 4, 1781, with twelve settlers and the&
families, forty-cdx persons in all, whose blood was a strange mixture of Indian and
Negro, with here and there a trace of Spanish." The names of the settlers, as given,
the writer will quote when either the wife or husband is registered as a Mulatto
or Mulattress.
"Joseph Moreno, Mulatto, 22 years old, wife a Mulattress, five children; Manuel
Cameron, Mulatto, 30 years old, wife Mulattress; Antonio Mesa, Negro, 88
years old, wife, Mulattress, six children; Jose Antonio Navarro, Mestizo, 42 years
old, wife, Mulattress, three children; Basil Bosas, Indian, 68 years old, wife, Mulat-
tress, six children."
Bancroft also mentions that: "From a later padron of 1785 (Prov. St. Pap-Ms.
xxii-29), it appears that Navarro was a tailor." The following named colored set-
tlers appeared in the pioneer list of vols. 2-4 and 6 of Bancroft's "History of Cali-
fornia." They are registered as coming to C^ifomia after 1790: "Bob, or Cristo-
bal, 1816, the pioneer Negro, left by Captain Smith of the 'Albatross'; Norris. 1818,
Negro of Bouchard's force, captured and became a cook at San Juan Capistrano
(voL 4, p. 755; voL 2, p. 230-248-393); Anderson Norris, 1843, Negro deserter from
OP CALIFOKNIA 101
the Cytoh ^ahed hj the Calif omians (vol. 4, p. 400-565); Hood Frisbe, 1848, Negro
steward on the Isaac, Mokelunm Hill, 1852 (voL 3, p. 787); Franees LaMott,
1845, Negro deserter from Bouehard's force or expedition, remained in California
(voL 2, p. 237-293; voL 4, p. 768); Francisco, Negro of Bouchard's force (vol. 2,
p. 237-746; Fisar, 1825, Negro from Pennsylvania, who came to Santa Barbara on
the steamer 'Santa Bosa' in 1829; at Los Angeles, a farmer, 35 years old, without
religion, but of good conduct, mentioned by Corone^ for whom he worked in 1846-47,
and perhaps by Foster in 1849. It is possible, however, that this Fisar and the fol-
lowing were the same Fisar in 1846 of the California Battalion, said to have been
attacked by Indians near Los Angeles in 1847. Fremont court-martial, Fisar, 1847,
member of the Calif omians (vol. 5, p. 576). Fisar, 1847, at Sutter's Fort, for the
quicksilver mines, also (vol. 3, p. 739). Allen B. Light, 1835, Negro who deserted
from the 'Pilgrim' or some other vessel and became an otter hunter (voL 3, p. 413).
He was known as Black Steward, his encounter with a grizzly bear in the Santa Bar-
bara region beiog mentioned by Alfred Bobinson and other adventurers. Accordinir
to Nidever, he was one of Graham's men, 1836-8, and in 1839, being a naturalized
resident of Santa Barbara, he was appointed by the government agent to prevent
illegal otter hunting (voL 4, 6, p. 91). At Los Angeles in 1841, and in 1846-8 at San
Diego, still a hunter."
In the history of Santa Clara County, by J. P. Monroe Fraser (p. 62), he says:
"The soldiers of the San Francisco district were divided into three cantonments, one
at the Presidio, one at Santa Clara Mission, and one at the Mission of San Jose. We
here append a list of soldiers connected with the Presidio in the year 1790, which
has been copied from the Spanish Archives in San Francisco. Here will be found
the names, position, nativity, color, race and age of the soldiers, as well as those of
their wives, when married. Justa Altamarino, Mulatto, from Sonora, 45 years old;
Maria Gkireia, Mulatto, 18 years old. There was a half-cast race between the white
Castilian and the native Indian, very few of the families retaining the pure blood
of Old Castile. They were consequently of all shades of color, and developed, the
women especially, into a handsome, comely race." The writer has quoted the names
that were given as Mulattoes.
Father Engelhardt says in "Missions and Missionaries of California" (p. 151):
"It seems that when Friar Kino and Salvatierra arrived, the natives lived in pre-
cisely the same manner as when Cortez appeared on the coast 160 years before.
Physically these Indians, as a rule, were tall and robust. Their color was dark chest-
nut, approaching black. The men had no beards, but their hair was straight and
black. Their features were somewhat heavy; the forehead was low and narrow: the
nose thick; the inner comers of the eyes were round, instead of pointed, and the
teeth were white and regular."
In Bancroft's "Native Baces" (vol. 5, p. 328), he says: "The Northern CaU-
f omians around Klamath Lake and the Klamath, Trinity and Bogue Bivers are tall,
muscular and well made, with complexions varying from black to light brown. About
Bedwood Creek, Humboldt Bay and EU Biver they are squatty and fat in figure,
rather stoutly-built, with large heads, coarse, black hair and repulsive countenances,
and are of much darker color. * * * At Crescent City Mr. Powers saw some
broad-faced squaws of almost African blackness."
Bancroft, int giving native characteristics of the people in the Northern Mexican
States and Texas, says: "The intermixture of races in Colonial Days was much
Blower in the North, owing to the inferior culture of the Indians and the later entry
of settlers. * For a long time after the independence Creole families sought to resist the
inevitable but rapid influx of settlers^ and the allurement of mineral wealth tended
to overcome hesitancy, partly by bridging the chasm. Nevertheless, the Spanish
element remained strong and the mixture has been little varied by the admission , of
l^egro blood."
The following is quoted from a Historical Sketch of Los Angeles, which was
published by the Centennial Committee, J. J. Warner, Benjamin Hayes and J. P.
Widney, in 1876: "Peter Biggs was the first barber. As a slave he was sold to an
officer at Fort Leavenworth. At the close of the war, left on California territory,
his freedom was necessarily recognized. He lived here many years thereafter. In the
spring of 1850 probably three or four colored persons were in the city. In 1875
they numbered 175 souls, many of whom hold good city property, acquired bv indus-
try. They are farmers, mechanics or of some one or other useful occupauon and
remarkable for good habits. They count some seventy-five voters. Bobert Owen,
familiarly by Aniericans called Uncle Bob, came from Texas in December, 1853,
with Aunt Winnie, his wife, two daughters and a son, Charles Owen. They survive
him. He was an honorable, shrewd man of business, energetic and hcmcMrabJie in
102 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
his dealings, made money by gorernment contracts and general trade. He died well
esteemed by white and colored, August 18, 1865, aged 59 years.
''Of the Society of Mexican Veterans are five colored men: George Smith,
George Diggs, Lewis G. Green, Paul Bushmore and Peter Byers. The iMt named
was bom in Henrico County, Virginia, in 1810, and served with GoL Jack Hayes,
Gen. Z. Taylor and Capt. John Long. He was at the Battle of Monterey. Bushmore
was bom in 1829 in Georgia, and served on Taylor's line. He drove through the
team of CoL John Ward and James Douglass from CHiihuahua to Los Angeles. Smith and
Diggs (the first bom in New York, the second in the District of Columbia), both
served on the ship 'Columbus,' under Commodore Biddle and Captain Self ridge.
Green, bom in North Carolina in 1827, was a seaman on the 'Portsmouth,' Capt.
John B. Montgomery, and in the navy nine years and eight months on the ships
'Erie,' 'Cyane,' 'Constitution,* 'Pennsylvania' and 'Vermont.' "
The following list of the names of Negro pioneers, many of whom have members
of their families still living in California, has been copied from papers published
by colored people during pioneer days in San Francisco. The issues quoted date
from 1857 to 1875. Other names have been added through interviewing old pioneer
persons in different parts of the State, and the Western Outlook, published at this
writing, in San Francisco. The list will begin with those coming in 1849, and is as
follows:
"George Washington Dennis, Mifflin Gibbs, Daniel Seals, Dixie Beard, Charles
Gibson, Edward Harper, Mrs. Ellen Tooms, Charles Woods, George Toogood, John
Peters, Bev. Stokes, Henry Williams, Abraham Cox, John Anderson, William Stacey,
James Marshall, Abraham Lewis, Thomas Detter, Charlotte Detter, Albert Brevitt
(gentleman's nurse). Miss Mary Coleman, William Moses, William Davis, J. H. Town-
send (editor of the Mirror of the Times), James Wiseman, Moses Gibbs, Joseph Usher,
George Haigler, Ezekiel Cooper, Mrs. Angelina Pickett, Sam Waters, Alvin Coffey,
George Lee, Henry Collins, Samuel Shelton, '46; J. J. Moore, Hank Jones, Adolphus
Goodman, James Moody, Harriett Washington, James E. Whiting, David Johnson,
Sarah Mildred Freeman, Mr. McDowell, Bhoda Adams, Mary Ami Campbell, Mrs.
Virginia Sinunons, Mary and Ann Groves, Henry Marryat, Mrs. Jane Dove, J. M«
Flowers, Ellen Seith, Aunt Lucy Evans, Bev. Adam Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Alex
Taylor, William Pallier and wife, Mrs. Priscilla Moore, George Jamison, William
F. Harris, Mrs. M. Godfrey, Daniel Carmack, Lige Hare."
"Pioneers of Sacramento, California: B. A. Johnson, Aaron L. Jackson, A. S.
Hopkins, Nathaniel Christopher, '49; Ella Segui, George Segui, '50; Albert Grubbs,
'49; J. B. Handy, H. Yantes, George Booth, '52; Elige Booth, '52; Edward Booth,
'48; Miss Booth, '52; H. Cady, Jessie Slaughter, Arthur Christopher, Mrs. Penny,
'49; Mrs. Coger, Mrs. Bussell, S. P. Hyer, '49; Mrs. Brice, '49; Beuben Johnson, '49;
Mary Jane BelUs, '49; Mrs. Barbara N. Christopher, '49, and many others which
space will not permit giving."
** Pioneers of Marysville: James Churchill, '49; Samuel Brown, '49; Texana
Breeden, '49; James Monroe Breeden, '48; Bill Huff, '49; Nimrod Jones, Bill Vaughn,
Bobert Chandler, Sarah Thompson (first colored woman in San Jose. Her husband,
Mr. Thompson, was the body-servant to Gen. Wade Hampton. She lived for forty
years in Grass Valley and later in Marysville, and at this writing is a resident
of Pacific Grove, California). Joseph Edward Hatton, '49, from Norfolk, Va.;
Hester Sewall Hatton, via ox team, '57; Major Breeden, '49; Bichard Breeden, '52;
John Gains, Sandy Clark, Bob Mitchell, Mrs. Mary Churchill, '49; Mrs. McGowan,
'49; Bev. Bandolph, '49; Mrs. Ellen Clark, '56, via ox team from Polk County, Mis-
souri. There were sixty souls in the party and 2000 head of cattle. The party
located at Honey Lake Valley, hence to Santa Bosa, hence to Petaluma, where Mrs.
Olark became the wife of Mr. Piper. The remaining members of the family that
eame across the plains were her mother, Abigail Clark, and uncle, Bacchus Clark, who
came in '58; Henderson Clark, the father, and one daughter, Matilda Clark, and a
Mrs. J. N. Williams, came in 1856. They all finally located in Marysville, after
having come to California through the influence of one John Loney, who had ooms
in '49. Mr. Grant Smkh, '47; Bev. J. H. Hubbard, J. B. Johnson, W. W. Moul-
ton, Mrs. Carpenter Williams, '49; William H. Baily, cousin of Hon. Fred Doug-
lass, '49.
Grass Valley— Joseph Thomas, Jordan Ousley, Joseph Baltimore, J. Jones, Isaas
Buhner, George Jenkins, James Miller, William Smith, Jacob Saunders, Bobert Nor-
ton, John Thomas, John Hicks, Isaac Sanks, Jacob Harris, Green Ousley, John Hicks,
Jolm Allen, Abner Kinnie, George Seville, Henry White, Ed. Miller, Evans Walker.
<}eorge H. Clay, Bobert Allen, Mrs. Segee, William Kinkage, T. Detter, Bev. Peter
Green, Bev. William Hillary, Catherine Baily, John Astor, Isaac Pickett, Den^
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OP CALIFOBNIA 103
Carter, S. E. Cuney, J. C. Mortimer, Peter Powers, '51; Abraham Freeman, '49:
Albert HoUand, '49.
''Beaver Yallej: Mrs. Sara Braxma, Frances Brown. Rough and Beady: Bobert
6harp, Martin Mawy, Jennie Mitchell, Henry Smith. North San Joaquin: Samuel Dud-
ley, Archibald Fisher, Mr. MeLeMar. Mud Springs: John Buckner. Woodland: James
8eott, S. S. Jones, Mrs. Bono. Fiddletown: William Smith. Sutter's Creek: Stephen
Truaz, Mrs. Anthony, Mrs. M. Tenny, C. G. Hawkins, Wm. Bird, J. W. Whitfield, Dr.
H. H. Holland. Gash Greek: Basil Gampbell. Folsom: Henry Gibson, Wm. Ford, Wm.
Serrington. Mariposa: James Duff, John Peters, L. A. Monroe (stage driver). Suisun
CSlty: T. Gooper, W. E. Town. Placerville: Jack Perkins, '49; J. Johns. Gold Hill:
J'ames Moore, porter of the bank. Sonora: Mr. Jackson. Truckee: Mrs. Ann Wiel-
rich, died, leaving twenty-five thousand dollars in the bank. Her only heir was found
one year afterward in Farmersville, Va. Downieville: Mr. Gallis and Mrs. Gallis, '49;
William Moore, Mrs. Gampbell, Mrs. Scottall, '49. Strawberry Valley, Eldorado Gounty:
Mr. Roderick McGains and Miss May Wood. Golusa: George Suggard, Giles Gresdan,
J'oshua Jones, Ben Franklin, A. Pincard, Ghas. Lansing, Thomas Banks, Thos. S. Scott,
I. M. Wiley, Henry Luell, James Oliver. Princeton, Golusa Gounty: Ed Harris, Joshua
fiamuel, Z. Gopeland, M. T. Tidball. Ghico, Butte Gounty: Samuel DeHart, Jas. Low,
Samuel Ghildress, Josiah Jackson, Peter Jackson, '57, from Brooklyn, N. T.; Samuel
Jackson, Edwin Holmes, Benj. Maulbine, Lewis Roberts, G. M. Day, Mrs. Williams, '49;
Peter Pogue, Ghas. McGowan, Moses Talchan, Richard Lewis, A. J. Anderson, fruit
buyer, Roseburg Packing Go.
"Stockton: Moses Rodgers, '49; William Robinson, '48; Emanuel Quivers, '49;
8. B. Serrington, Rev. E. L. Tappan, I. B. Barton, Anderson Robinson, W. R. Brown,
Isaac Rodgers, George Johnson, Mrs. Catherine Gallis, Joseph McKinney, Henry Hall,
'49; James Fountain, '49; Wm. O. Saunders, '49; Elizabeth Miller, John Burrows, '55;
Miss Amy Burrows, Rev. Jessie Hamilton, Capt. Pierson, E. W. Vesy, Samuel Elliott,
Ch&B. Gray, Jno. Blackstone, S. M. Jackson, Henry Miles, '53; Mrs. Elizabeth Scott,
'59; Elizabeth Barnett, Mrs. Polly A. Barton, '49; Mr. Barton, 49; Mrs. Forney, '49;
Alfred Collins, Wm. Hutchison, '53; Susie Hutchinson, '49; Wm. Robertson, '49; Barbara
Potts, '49.
"Petaluma: Mrs. Barnes, '49; Aunt Peggie Barnes, '49; Miss Wilson, Edward
Chandler, '49; Mrs. Mary E. Gross, '54; Elizabeth Miller, '53; Bell Bowles, Isaac Mull,
'52. OroviUe: Mrs. Gannon. Coloma: Bufus M. Burgess. Red Bluff: Mrs. Sarah
Parker, P. A. Logan, Wm. Robinson, Charles Christopher, Charles A. Delvicchio. San Jose:
Alfred White, H. E. Speight, Wm. Whiting, Mrs. Harriett Smith, James Williams, '49
(first colored person to settle in Santa Clara County) ; Mrs. Ella Hawkins, Jacob Over-
ton, Sarah Massey Overton. Santa Cruz: R. G. Frances, James Smallwood, Albert and
Amanda Logan, George A. Chester. Salinas City: Wm. Miller, Thos. Cecil, Geo. Gray,
Robert Johnson. Watson ville: Daniel Rodgers, '49; R. Gampbell, Mrs. Riley, John
Derrick, Emeline Smith. Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Islands: Sarah Lewis. Vallejo:
John Grider, George Van Blake, Dr. Rodgers, Geo. Courtney. Visalia: Wiley Hinds.
Bedlands: Isaac Beal, '49, miner, owns orange grove; Mr. and Mrs. Whiteside, Henry
Beal, Mr. Mendenhall, Mrs. Appleby, Horace H. Harold. San Bernardino: Walter and
Byron Rowen, Mrs. Lizzie Fake-Siowen, Mr. Ingraham, Mason Johnson. San Diego:
Dr. Burney, John Moore, '49. El Cajon Valley: Shephard Waters, '50; Henry Hunter,
Albert Robinson, Isaac Jackson, '50, Charles Frederick Easton, coming to California in
1850 by the way of Cape Horn from New York to San Francisco, opened a barber shop
with Jerry Bowers, a '49er."
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CHAPTER XI
Negbo Miners of 1849, and Home for Aged and Infirm (Colored People at
Beulah^ Cal. Negro Miners
A history of the Negro people of California would be incomplete without mention
of the mining men who came in 1849. The writer has the pleasure of recording the
name of the first colored miner in California, in the person of Waller Jackson, who
came (via the Horn) from Boston, and located at Bownieville, California.
There were at one time several hundred Negro miners working claims on Mormon
and Mokelumn Hill, at Placerville, Grass VaUey and elsewhere in the California
mountains. The writer has failed to find a single instance where there was any
rioting among the Negro miners, notwithstanding there were so many working one
claim that they called it Negro Bar.
Nearly all the mining in the early days in California was placer mining. It
will perhaps be better understood by calling it surface mining. The men used a
pan, a pick and a rocker, or sieve. They picked only surface dirt, and when they
found "pay dirt" they threw it into the rocker, which was made like a box witi
holes in the bottom, covered with a piece of netting or sieve-like wire, if handy.
They turned, or rather poured, water on this, and the dirt and gravel would run out
while the gold would remain in the rocker. This they placed in a pan, which eau^t
the gold-dust while being washed. Later on hydraulic mining was employed until
the United States government stopped the practice, since it was clogging the rivers.
There has recently been organized a company which is dredging over the waste
from this kind of early-day mining in California on the Tuba Biver, in the Sacra-
mento Valley.
Tuthill's "History of Calif omia" (p. 67), in speaking on mining, says: "Almost
everybody bought stocks. Nothing but war news could check the perpetual talk of
'feet,' 'out-croppings' and 'indications of sulphurets and ores.' No profession or class,
age or sex was exempt from the epidemic. Shrewd merchants, careful bankers invested
the property of their legitimate businesses, sometimes infringing upon their invested cap-
ital. Sharp lawyers sold their homesteads for shares; clerks anticipated their salaries;
laborers salted away their wages and washerwomen their earnings in promising mines."
The colored miner rarely took a chance in buying mining stock. He had more
sacred duties to perform with his money. He either used it to pay for the freedom or
liberty of himself, bis family or other loved ones in faraway "Dixie-Land." If not
that, then he contributed largely from his diggings to assisting the Executive Commit-
tee of the Colored Convention in their struggles to secure legislative enactments in the
interest of the Negro race in California.
The Negro miners came to California with the one thought of having better days.
The allurement of gold was for the white men. The privilege of working in the mines
that they might earn their freedom was to the colored men more precious than gold.
There is no record of their rioting after they had purchased their freedom, notwith-
standing the Negro miners were not given the protection of the California laws, in
that they could not legally own claims. The writer has been told by pioneer Negro
miners that the white miners had laws of their own and were often fair and kind to
Negro miners. ,
Hittell's "Calif omia," in speaking of the history of Tuolumne County, says: "A
vein was discovered by a Negro known as Dick, but the richness was so great it proved
the ruin of its discoverer. Dick first sold out several shares, and then went to work
on what remained and the outcome was that in a comparatively short time, carrying
about one hundred thousand dollars, he left the place for Sacramento, with the intention
of having a good time. It did not require long at that place for one in his circumstances
to lose aJl his money. Afterward he committed suicide." The writer has been told
that the location of this rich vein was near "Tuttletown" in the mountains.
There was another niine discovered by Negro miners who were of a different caliber
from the above-mentioned person. The discovery of this mine was in Brown's Valley.
The men immediately organized a company of Negro miners who worked the claim.
The names of the men were as follows: Gabriel Simms, Frits James Vosburg, Abraham
Freeman Holland, Edward Duplex, James Cousins and M. Mc(}owan. They called their
mine "The Sweet Vengeance Mine." Judging from the title, it would seem to indicate
that they were bent on proving to the world that colored men were capable of conduct-
ing successfully a mining business, even in the pioneer days in California.
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OP CALIFOBNIA 105
In after years there were still other mixLing eompanies organized by colored men.
The Paoiflc Appeal of San Franeiseo, after listing a number of mines with Negro owners,
■ays: "'Bare, Bipe Gold and Silver Mining Company/ located in Brown's Valley,
Tuba County, an hicorporated company; capital stock is represented by 1,200 shares
and they are now offering three hundred shares for aale at $10 a share. The board of
trustees, John H. Gassoway, president; E. P. Duplex, secretary and treasurer; G. W.
8imms, J. H. Johnson. The offices of the company are located at Marysville, California."
The officers of this mining company were all ''Forty-niners," notwithstanding the com-
pany was not organized until 1868.
Moses Bodgers was a mining expert and was considered one of the best mining
engineers in the State. He was also a metallurgist and owned a group of mines at
Homitus. Even to this day his family still owns a few mines in this locality.
Bobert Anthony owned the first quartz mill in California. It was located at Horn-
cut, between Yuba and Diy-cut. The following is a list of some of the Negro miners
of 1849, in California, who in after years became identified with every interest of the
race: "Waller Jackson, Moses Bodgers, mining expert and metallurgist; Emanuel
Quivers, Henry Hall, Daniel Seals, Samuel Shelton, Bev. Bandolph, Bev. Stokes, Isaac
I>unlap, Bobert SmsJl, James Stanley, Macklin Ford, James Buchanan, Daniel Blue,
John Wilson, Aaron Jackson, Thomas Dunlap, James Cole, Cooper Smith, Hampton
Whittaker, James Penny, Carter Jackson, Simon Emory, Edward Booth, John Shipman,
Dennis Carter, John Adams, John Bymus, Abraham Freeman Holland, Benjamin Young,
Preston Alexander, Edward Mills, John Allen, Henry Dorsey, Green Ousley, Jordan
Ousley, John Loney, William Price, William Hart, Alfred Collins, Alvin Coffey, Major
Breedon, Buben Johnson, Joseph Hatton, John Wesley, John Haley, John Peters, Nath-
aniel Nelson, Bobert Anthony, Mifflin Gibbs, George Washington Dennis, George
Seville, John Adams, Isaac Sanks, Isaac Mills, Peter Lombard, Jack Perkins, Jessie
Hughes, Sandy Clark, Charles Breedon, Peter Powers, William Williams, William
Bums, Edward Wysinger, Daniel Hart, William Price, Perkins Bettis, Isaac Caulwell,
SVanklin Howard, Isaac Jackson, Henry Miles, Sandy Clark, (George Booth, Elige Booth,
Charles Graffells, John T. Johns, Edgar Johnson, Cloyd Brown, John Haley, John
Grider." These men mined at Murphy's Diggings, Diamond and Mud Springs, Grass
Valley, Negro Bar, Mokelumn Hill and elsewhere in the mining districts throughout
the State.
HoicE FOB Aged and Ikhbm Colqbed People.
This is one of the creditable institutions conducted by and for colored people in
Northern California. It is located at Beulah, a suburban town of Oakland. It was
founded by Mrs. Emma Scott, September 16, 1892. The corner stone was laid August
22, 1897. Mrs. Stanford was the first president and Mrs. Harriett Davis the first matron.
Mr. Alvin Coffey, the first inmate, gave money to help found the institution, a Mr. Mont-
gomery giving the ground for a home and orphanage and a Mr. Pollard, the windmill.
The institution has an ideal location about a block from the Mills College street car
line, on the brow of a low hill overlooking the Piedmont Hills, with a broad, sweeping
view of the sky-line boulevard in the distance. When the home was first opened, the
lady managers decided to charge $500 for life membership, but the steady advance in
the price of food has made it most difficult for the home to sustain itself. The officers
are untiring in their struggle to prevent this worthy institution from closing its doors.
Too much credit cannot be given to the following named officers who have, at a great
personal sacrifice, worked, through public solicitation, to keep the institution for the
Negro race in Northern California: Mrs. Julia Shorey, president; Mrs. Grasses, finan-
cial secretary; Mrs. Withers, recording secretary; Mrs. Morey, treasuer. The board of
directors are: Mesdames Tyler, Scott, Dugar, Stanford, Warren, Jackson, Mattie Cohn,
Mary Humphry, Harriet Davis and P^umell.
A few of the inmates of this home are real California pioneers, and brief sketches
of their lives follow. Mrs. Harriett Davis came to California in 1854 from Philadel-
phia by the way of the Isthmus of Panama. She was educated in a private school in
that city, and told the writer many interesting things pertaining to the ''Underground
Bailroad,'' and its activities. She was educated an Episcopalian, and, after coming
to San Francisco, immediately identified herself with the colored church pastored by
Bev. Peter Cassey. She was active in the choir and literary work of the parish.
Her first husband, William Smith, came to California in 1857. He was prominently
identified with all activities of vital interest to the race. He gave freely of his time
and money, especially in the fight for ''The Bight of Testimony" in the Courts of Jus-
tice in California. He was employed for a number of years ^^imoffi^^^l^ custom
f
106 THE NEGBO TBAIL BLAZERS
house of Ban Franeiaeo. Mrs. DayiSy appointed as the first matron of the home, re-
tained the position for several years. She has a wonderfully retentive m emery and an
amiable, sweet disposition whieh endeared her to alL The writer was vei(y much bene-
fited by her many visits to Mrs. Davis and especially by the conversation eoncemliiii^
the colored people in Oalif omia who paid for their freedom after coming to the State.
The second matron in the home was a Mrs. Theresa M. Thompson who came to Cali-
fornia in early pioneer days from Camden, N. J. Her father, Mr. William Brown, who
came to CaUfomia in 1849, was a sea-faring man. After coming to California he de-
cided to leave the sea and followed the laundry business in Sacramento. Mrs. Thomp-
son has been an inmate of the home for fourteen years.
Mr. George Seville was an inmate of the home two years before he was called to
his reward. He came to San Francisco from Key West, Florida, in 1858. It was his in-
tention to go to Victoria, British Columbia, but, changing his mind up reaching Cali-
fornia, he went to Grass Valley where he engaged in mining. He was an entertaining
gentleman and gave the writer many interesting accounts concerning colored miners of
pioneer days. Many of the names he gave are recorded in the chapter on mining .
Shortly after beginning his career as a placer miner, he married and the union was
blessed by the birth of three children, namely, Isabell, Stella and James. He was a
widower thirteen years before deciding to enter the home.
Two other interesting inmates are Mrs. Louise Tyler, bom in Shasta County, Cali-
fornia, during pioneer days, and Mrs. Flowers, who came from Niles, Michigan, when
four years old, reaching the State in pioneer days.
Mrs. Lane came from Clay County, Mississippi, f orty-eight years ago. Her mother,
coming to California in 1852, sent back for her son and daughter. They lived for a
number of years in Benieia, California.
Mrs. Edinburg, the third matron, who retained the position for a number of years,
had a charming personality and was well suited for the position. She came to Califor-
nia in 1880 from Middlex>ort, Ohio, and located first in Bedlands where she left a com-
munity of warm friends to accept the position at the home.
The following persons have been inmates of the home: Mrs. Margaret A. Murray,
Mrs. Allen Washington, Willim H. Davis, Mrs. EUen Mason, Mrs. D. Washington, Mrs.
Marie White, Mrs. Annie Johnson, B. W. Johnson, Fanny Foggs, Theresa Thompson,
Jacob Williams, Annie Baker, Eva Boeder, Zora Flowers, Eliza Miller, Emilie Phelpa,
Mrs. Duvall, Mrs. Allen Fletcher, George Seville, Emily Thompson, Mrs. Stewart, Phil-
lips Jenkins, Annie Pumell, Margaret Wilson, Mrs. E. Bamett and Mr. Abe Lee.
There is a home similar to this one located at Albia, California, which has been
founded through the united efforts of the Colored Baptist Ministerial Association of
Southern California.
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CHAPTER XII
J^ooBAPHiCAL Sketches of Distinquished Negro Pioneebs
In early day^s of Calif ornia, the United States Government sent its prise graduate
soldiers from West Point to this coast; men who in after years became prominent
i^:ares, showing that California even at that early date developed the possibilities in
men. Stockton, Folsom, Sherman and Larkin were all yonng men in those days and
began their career in Monterey, California.
Some, satisfied with their appointment, remained. Others soon asked to be relieved
and went back to the East, but they always expected to return and miUce CiUifomia
their home. Of these latter was Commodore Sloate who was relieved of his command
on this coast. Commodore Stockton was appointed as Military Governor of California
and it was under his rule that Consul Larkin appointed as Vice-Consul to Mexico Cap-
tain Leidsdorff , who became the first distinguished Negro under the United States rule.
William Alexander Leidsdorlf was the most distinguished Negro of pioneer San
Francisco and of the State of California. It may be a great surprise to a large number
of people to know that in early San Francisco 's history, the then Governor of the State
of Calufomia was the guest of the city and the banquet given in honor of his visit, was
given at the residence of a Negro. This Negro at the time owned and lived in the largest
house in all San Francisco.
This Negro also owned the first steamship sailing the beautiful bay of San Fran-
cisco. He was a prominent business man, a member of the City Council, treasurer and
a member of the school committee. Men thought it a distinguished honor to have the
pleasure of meeting Captain Leidsdorlf. H. H. Bancroft^ in his History of California,
said: "While he was Yice-Consul of Mexico Captain Leidsdorff 's correspondence with
Larldns was a source of valuable information." There are few men whose lives have
been spoken of so much in early San Francisco as that of Captain Leidsdorff. Even
in death he commanded the very highest respect of all, notwithstanding they all knew
he had Negro blood in his veins, and the same is mentioned in different summaries of
his life.
When the United States Navy sends vessels to sail through the Golden Gate in
visiting San Francisco, the Negro race can proudly say that Don Caspar de Portola,
when looking down from the Berkeley Hills, may have discovered the San Francisco
Bay and the Golden Gate; Balboa may have brought the first sailing ship through the
Golden Gate, but the first steamer to pass through the Golden Gate was owned and
mastered by a Negro. Bancroft in his history gives very clear and convincing proof
that William Alexander Leidsdorff, a Negro, owned the first steamer to pass through
the Golden Gate.
Mrs. Annie Peters, a pioneer of early California, who came to San Francisco with
Bev. Flavel Scott Mines, told the writer that she came from the same island as did
Mr. Leidsdorff, the Island of Santa Croix, Danish West Indies. She said that she knew
his mother, who was a Negress. His father was a Danish sugar planter.
Jacob Wright Harlan, in his book "CaUfomia from 1846 to 1888," speaking of Mr.
Leidsdorff having sold him some shingles, closes by adding: "Mr. Leidsdorff was a
native of the Dimish Island of Santa Croix and I believe had a dash of Negro blood
in his veins." While he says, "I believe he had a dash of Negro blood in his veins,''
he also says many complimentary things of Mr. Leidsdorff.
In Bryant's "What I Saw in California," the author mentions that Captain Leids-
dorff 's reddence was selected by the committee as the place in which to hold a banquet
in honor of Governor Stockton. There are many instances in which the Negro has done
credit to the race in early days, but none have reached the heights this man did. It is
a source of great pleasure to note that, notwithstanding he was a Negro, the Calif omia
historians have written of him as befits a man of his position and influence in the com-
munity.
The following is an account of his life as given by H. H. Bancroft (voL 4, p. 711) :
''William Alexander Leidsdorff, a native of Danish West Indies, son of a Dane by a
mulattres% who came to the United States as a boy and became a master of vessels
•ailing between New York and New Orleans, came to California as manager of the
'Julia Ann,' on which he made later trips to the Islands, down to 1845.
''He is prominent among a number of about sixty-seven classed as prominent resi-
denters (p. 279, 666). Engaging in trade in San Francisco he got fjiJ^^^I^Jy^J^i^^^^
108 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
eorner of Olay and Kearney streets, and, in 1844 or '45, built a warehouse on the beaeh
at California and Leidsdorff streets (669-78), in '46 building the city hotel on his first
lot, and in '47 buying from Bidley the cottage at the comer of Montgomery and Cali-
fornia streets where he passed the rest of his life. (Vol. 4, p. 678-680.) In '44 he ob-
tained naturalization papers and a grant of the Bio Del Americano Bancho (voL 4, p.
673), and from October, 1846, served as United States Vice-Consul by Larkin's ap-
pointment (vol. 4, p. 188, 557, 599, 665). His correspondence of these years, especially
with Larkins, is a most valuable source of historical information. In 1846 be had a
controversy with Forbes, Bidley and Hinkley, who were not intensely American enough
to suit this Danish citizen of Mexico who was visiting New Helvetia and Monterey.
In 1847 he had a California daim of $8,740 (vol. 5, p. 462) » and launched the first
steamer that ever sailed the San Francisco Bay (vol. 5, p. 577-8). He was not only one
of the town's most prominent business men but a- member of the City Council, treasurer
and a member of the school committee, taking an active part in local x>olitics (voL 5, 455,
648, 652-6). He was educated, speaking several languages, active, enterprising and
public-spirited, honorable for the most part in his transactions, but jealous, quick tem-
pered, often quarrelsome and disagreeable. His estate, burdened heavily by debt at
the time of his death, after the gold excitement became of immense value. The State
laid claim to it but yielded after long litigation.
"Leidsdorff was buried at Mission Dolores with imposing ceremonies befitting his
prominence and social virtues. Warm of heart, clear of head, sociable, with a hos-
pitality liberal to a fault, his hand ever open to the poor and unfortunate, active and
enterprising in business and with a character of high integrity, his name stands as
among the purest and best of that sparkling little community to which his death
proved a serious loss.
"It is necessary for the living to take charge of the effects of the dead, but it
smells strongly of the cormorant, the avidity with which men seek to administer an
estate for the profits to be derived from it. We have many notable examples of this
kind in the history of California, in which men of prominence have participated, some-
times in the name of friendship, but usually actuated by avarice. The body of William
A. Leidsdorff was scarcely cold before Joseph L. Folsom obtained from (Governor Mason
an order to take charge of the estate in connection with Chas. Meyers. The indecent
haste of Folsom was checked by the appointment of William D. M. Howard as admin-
istrator. The estate was administered by him with the assistance of C. V. Gillespie,
and was for years the subject of complicated litigation. But the title of Captain Fol-
som, who had found the mother and other heirs of Leidsdorff at Saint Croix Island
and had bought their interest, was finally adjudged to be valid."
The historian further says in the footnotes of vol. 6: "Vice-Consul Leidsdorff
died in 1848, leaving property then regarded as inadequate to pay his liabilities of over
$40,000, but a year later its value had so advanced as to give to the heirs an amount
larger than the debts, while agents managed to make fortunes by administering the
estate.
"The first steamer in San Francisco Bay. In the maritime annals of this period
the appearance of the first steamer in California's waters merits a passing notice. The
steamer had no name but has since been called the 'Sitka.' Her dimensftwis were:
length, 37 feet; breadth of bow, 9 feet; depth of hold, 3% feet; drawiag 18 inches
of water and having side wheels moved by a miniature engine. She was built by an
American at Sitka as a pleasure boat for the offtcers of the Bussian Fur Company and
was purchased by Leidsdorff, being brought down to San Francisco in October, 1847.
She made a trial trip on November 15 and returned later to Santa Clara and tiien to
Sonoma. FinaUy, on the 28th of November, she started on the great voyage of her
career to Sacramento, carrying ten or a dozen souls, including the owner, Geo. Mc-
Kinstry and L. W. Hastings as far as Monterey. She returned to Yerba Buena and
was wrecked at her anchorage in a gale, but was saved, hauled inland by oxen and
trantf ormed into a launch or schooner.
"As the 'Bain-bow' she ran on the Sacramento river after the discovery of g^d.
A notice of the arrival from Sitka is found in the San Francisco, California, Star, Oc-
tober 28, 1847, also a notice of the steamer at Sonoma, November 25, when there was
a celebration with toasts to the rival towns of Sonoma and San Francisco, California,
December 1, 1847, 8. F. Dictionary, 1852, p. 197; Hutchings Magazine, vol. 4, p. 4; Sec-
ramento Directory, 1871, p. 153; Sacramento newspaper, May 19, 1858; S. F. BnUetin,
February 26, 1868, and many other newspaper articles, some of which say she waa 60
feet long and 17 feet wide."
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OP CALIFORNIA 109
t
Biddy Mason
The subject of tMs sketeh was bom in Hancock County, GFeorgia, and was the most
remarkable pioneer of color coming to Oalifomia. She came under the most trying
eircnmstanees as has been related in another part of this book under "Slaves Eman-
cipated in Califomia.''
After the Courts of Los Angeles County granted Biddy Mason and her family their
freedom, she took her family to the home of Bobert Owens, in Los Angeles. Then she
^nrent in search of work which she readily secured at two dollars and fifty cents per day,
as confinement nurse. Dr. Griffin having engaged her services. The securing of work
meant to her the great boon of acquiring not only the money for the support of her
dex>endent family, but also an opportunity of securing a home. With the first money
ehe could save she purchased two lots, located from Spring street to Broadway, between
Third and Fourth streets in Los Angeles. There was a ditch of water on the place and
a willow fence running around the plat of ground which was considered quite out of
town at that date, but which today is the most valuable piece of property in all of
beautiful Los Angeles.
Biddy Mason had a splendid sense of the financial value of property and such great
hopes for the future of Los Angeles that she continued to buy property and retain it
until after th«| city began to boom, when she sold a forty-foot lot for twelve thou-
sand dollars. She then gave her sons a forty-foot lot which they sold for forty-four
thousand dollars.
The world never tires of speaking of the late Hetty Green and her great financial
ability. But think of this slave woman coming to Calif omia in 1851 by ox-team which
eonaisted of three hundred wagons, and, at the end of these wagons, Biddy Mason
driving the cattle across the plains, notwithstanding she had her own three little girls,
Mien, Ann and Harriett, to care for en route I
Biddy Mason wuk a devoted mother. Her most remarkable trait of character was
her ability to teach her children and grandchildren the value of money and property.
So thorough were her teachings that her vast holdings have been retained by her chil-
dren and grandchildren, who have never sold a piece of property unless they were posi-
tively sure that they were making great gains by so doing. The greater part of her
purchases of property in early days they have retained, and these have grown in value
at least two hundred or more per cent since their first purchase by Biddy Mason.
The name* of Biddy MMon is reverenced in the City of Los Angeles where her
kindness to the ^oor is f reA^ the minds of the public. In an issue of the Los AngeU$
Times, under date of Februluy 12, 1009, in a special feature article by the late Mrs.
Kate Bradley-Stovall in regard to the Negro women of that city, among other things
was said in regard to Biddy Mason: "Biddy Mason was well-known throughout Los
Angeles County for her charitable work. She was a frequent visitor to the jail, speak-
ing a word of cheer and leaving some token and a prayerful hope with every prisoner
In the slums of the city she was known as 'Grandma Mason ^ and did much active
service toward uplifting the worst element in Los Angeles. She paid taxes and ali
expenses on church property to hold it for her people. During the flood of the early
eighties she gave an order to a little grocery store which was located on Fourth and
Spring streets. By the terms of this order, all families made homeless by the flood
were to be supplied with groceries while Biddy Mason cheerfully paid the bUl.
''Her home at No. 331 South Spring street in later years became a refuge for
fl^anded and needy settlers. As she grew more feeble it became necessary for her
gbandson to stand at the gate each morning and turn away the line which had formed
flcwaiting her assistance.'' But the best part of Biddy Mason's work is seen in the
eiiarming family she reared which shows her careful training and counsel.
The Courts of Los Angeles County granted to her and her children their freedom
jSuiuary 19, 1854. There were only eight white families living in the town at the time,
^e doors of the home of Bobert Owens were thrown open to Biddy Mason and her
^dren. Mr. Owens was a Uvery-stable keeper. Two years after the Mason family
DO to Los Angeles, the oldest daughter, Ellen, married Mr. Bobert Owen's son,
rles. She named her first son in honor of the grandfather, Bobert C. Owens, and
the second child, Henry L. Owens. It seems strange, but true, that Mr. Bobert Owens,
the father-in-law of Biddy Mason's daughter, Ellen, was the same type as the girl's
mother in regard to acquiring and holding property, and he taught his son the value
of both money and property and the greatest possible necessity of a good education.
Mrs. EUen Mason-Owens, as a slave girl, had not been allowed the advantage of an
education. After the 'birth of her second child, her husband decided that she must
have an education. When his sons were old enough, he sent thepziM^^ ^^^^%^ to
UO THE NBGBO TBAIL BLAZERS
be educated in the publie aehools of the eity of Oakland, Oalifornia. After the wma
had eompleted the eoarse of study, he tent them to the public schools of Stockton to
receive a business education under the then greatest colored educator on the coast,
J. B. Sanderson. They boarded in the home of the teacher. After finishing under tlM
instruction of J. B. Sanderson they returned to Los Angeles and, owing to the preju-
dice against colored persons attending the public schools, they were compelled to enter
business college at night. This splendid foundation of a good education, especially
the business education, has been an example to this day through the surviving son,
Bobert G. Owens, who is considered among the most level-headed capitalists, either
white or colored, in all of Los Angeles.
Charles P. Owens and Ellen Mason were married October 16, 1856, in Los Angeles,
California. He died September 12, 1882. Long years afterward his widow nuuried
Mr. Huddleston. She is one of the most charming ladies the writer has been privileged
to interview, a perfect inspiration, she kindly furnished the facts in regard to the
family history. Her son, Henry L. Owens, married Miss Louise Eruger, December 3,
1884, at Denver, Colorado. He has since passed beyond.
Mrs. Huddleston kindly allowed the writer to copy the following from the family
Bible pertaining to the family records: ''Biddy Mason was born August 15, 1818, in
Hancock County, Georgia. Mien, her daughter, was born October 15, 1838, in Hinds
County, Missouri." The dates of the birth of Harriet and Ann were not given but the
record of their deaths were as follows: ''Died, Miss Ann Mason, August 1, 1857; Biddy
Mason, January 15, 1891; Louis L. Owens, August 5th, 1893; Mrs. Harriet Mason-
Washington, June 9, 1914; Charles Owens, September 12, 1882."
The senior Bobert Owens came to Los Angeles in 1852 with his family, which con-
sisted of his wife, Winnie Owens, two girls and one son; namely, Sara Jane, Martha and
Charles. He bought lots on San Pedro street and opened a livery stable. When he
died, his son, Charles, took charge of the business and opened, a livery stable on Main
street near First. At the death of Charles his sons, Bobert C. and Henry L. Owens,
took charge of the business, and following the death of Mrs. Biddy Mason, they
opened a Uvery stable on Spring street between Third and Fourth streets, the property
on Main street having become too valuable to hold for a livery stable.
During pioneer days Charles Owens purchased on Olive street between Sixth and
Seventh twelve lots each sixty feet front by one hundred and sixty feet deep. The
Owens estate still retains them at this writing. The following additional data pertain-
ing to the Owens family history is quoted from a historical sketch published in 1876
by the Los Angeles Centennial Committee, J. J. Warner, Benjamin Hays and J. P.
Widney, in which it says that "In the spring of 1850, probably three or four colored
persons were in the city. In 1875, they numbered 175 souls, many of whom hold good
city property acquired by industry. They are farmers, mechanics, or some other useful
occupation, and remarkable for good habits. They count some seventy-five votes, . . .
Bobert Owens, familiarly by Americans called Uncle Bob, came from Texas in Decem-
ber, 1853, with Aunt Winnie, his wife, two daughters and son, Charles Owen. They
survive him. He was a shrewd man of business, energetic and honorable in his deal-
ings, made money by Government contracts and general trade. He died well esteemed
by white and colored people, August 18, 1865, aged 59."
A Colored Pionxeb.
"Mifflin Gibbs, of Little Bock, in town. From blacking boots to the Bench; Be*
markable career of one of San Francisco's early Negro citizens.
' ' One of the guests now registered at the Grand Hotel is Judge Mifflin Wister Gibbs,
of Little Bock, Ark. The Judge is a colored gentleman and one of CiUifomia's pioneers
of 1849. He arrived here on the 'Umatilla' last Wednesday from Victoria, B. C, in
which town he laid the foundation of his fortune. The Judge has had a wide and useful
as well as checkered career. From a bootblack stand in San Francisco he rose to the
Judicial bench in the State of Arkansas. He is 72 years of age, but is as compactly
built and free from ills as the most model athlete.
"The Judge was bom of poor parents and at the tender age of eight years was
thrown upon his own resources, his father having died at that time. When he reached
the years of manhood he had not accumulated much of the world's goods, but his years
brought him experiences and he had a pretty fair share of worldly knowledge. He
was a porter, and blacked boots in front of the Union Hotel, where the old City Hall
now stands. The facade of the old hall, in fact, still bears the name of the historic
caravansary. Afterward he was partner in the boot and shoe firm of Peter Lester and
Gibbs at 636 Clay street. The shop will be remembered by 'Forty-niners.'
OF CALIFORNIA
111
MRS. BIDDY MASON (deceased)
Nurse and a Great Financier.
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Google
112
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLA2^s
OS
^a. After the
nf Stock to I. .
MRS. A. H. WALL.
Treasurer California Federated Colored
Women's Clubs, and Founder of the
Colored Orphanage in Oakland.
MISS GLADYS REO HARUIS
Supervisor of Charities, Los Angeles
County.
MRS. LYDIA FLOOD-JACKSON
Originator Flood Toilet Creams.
r^r-\r^ I r>
MR. AND MRS. J. H. SHACKELFORD
Furniture Dealers.
OP CALIPOm«A 113
^en the Frazier Biver excitement broke out, in 1858, young Gibbs, full of grit
.oition, determined to try his luck in the North. He went to Victoria and there
ulithed the first general merchandise house excepting that of the Hudson Bay
vinpany. Being an enterprising and progressive young fellow, he became quite a
j.aetor in the infant city. He was elected Councilman from the James Bay district, the
moft aristocratic portion of the town. In 1867 he entered into a contract to buUd a
railroad from Queen Charlotte coal mine to Skidgate harbor. He was made superin-
tendent of the road when it was completed and he shipped to San Francisco the first
cargo of coal mined on the Pacific Coast.
"Oibbs remained in British Columbia until 1869, when he went to Little Bock,
Ark. While in Victoria he had studied law with an English barrister, and a year after
he arrived at Little Bock, he was appointed by President Hayes, Begistrar of the
United States Lands for the Eastern district of Arkansas. He held this offtce for
ei^t years, being reappointed by President Arthur. Under the last administration of
Harrison, he was appointed Beceiver of Public Moneys, at Little Bock.
' ' While in San Francisco, Judge Gibbs was always prominent in every movement
which tended to the elevation of his race. He was one of the publishers of the 'Mirror
of the Times,' the first paper devoted to the interests of the Negro on the Coast. He
made a determined stand against the collection of poll tax from men of his race. He
took the ground that his fellow colored men should not be compelled to pay the tax,
as they were denied the right of suffrage and as their oath would not be accepted in
court. His goods were seized and offered for sale to pay the tax, but not a man could
be found who was mean enough to bid on the store. He was afterwards sent to Sacra-
mento on the first committee which was appointed to petition for the 'Bights of Amer-
ican Citizenship for Negroes.'
"When the Judge was in Victoria this time he was treated with every mark of
consideration. The Speaker of the House of Parliament escorted him to a seat and he
was the recipient of many other marks of distinction at the hands of the leading
citizens.
"During his stay in San Francisco, Judge Gibbs has been the guest on several oc-
casions of Bobert Brown, editor of the Vindicator, 'I knew Bob, as a boy,' said he
last evening, 'and I remember. well the time when his father and I bought a flfty-vara
on the comer of Market and Stockton streets, which was then in the midst of sand
hills. Truly the change in the city has been wonderful. . . .' " The above is quoted
from the San Francisco Chronicle, February 2, 1895.
Judge Gibbs recently died at his home in Little Bock, Ark., having lived a useful
life up to the last. He has written his autobiography and other writings. The time
referred to in the above article when he left San Francisco was during the introduction
of a bill in regard to Fugitive Slaves, which had for its object the coming to or resid-
ing in California of Free Negroes. There were many other prominently-connected col-
ored men who also left the State about that time, going to British Columbia, but the
charm of California was too great and they returned to the State deciding to fight it
out. Their opportunity soon came through the attempt to return to slavery the Negro
boy, Archy. The decision of this case forever settled the question of "Fugitive Slaves
in California."
The following is quoted from "Who's Who of the Colored Bace:" "Mifflin Wister
Gibbs***bom in Philadelphia, Pa., April, 1823»»»graduated, Oberlin (Ohio) CoUege,
1870.***Admitted to Arkansas Bar, 1870; began practice in Little Bock. Elected City
Judge, 1873***Begistrar U. S. Land Office, 1877-81, and Beceiver of Public Moneys,
eight years; U. S. Consul to Tamatara, Madagascar, 1897-1901."
MOSXB B0D6IBS.
The subject of this sketch was a wonderful pioneer and it affords the writer great
pleasure to give the biography of such a useful citizen. Mr. Bodgers came to California
in 1849 from Missouri. He was bom a slave, but by a great effort, close study and ap-
plication seized every opportunity that might come to him along educational lines.
He finally acquired an education as a mining engineer and was very successful in Cali-
fornia. His knowledge soon made him one of the most distinguished miners in all
California. This statement will be borne out by the following facts in regard to his
mining career in California: He succeeded in working claims successfully, and thereby
was soon able to purchase several mines at Homitos, Mariposa County, Califomia,
located twenty-five miles from Merced.
In the Sixties he married Miss Sara Quivers of Snelling, Califomia, building a
beantiful home for her at Quartsburg not far from his mines. The marriage was birassed
^ ^ Digitized by VJ^^^^VIV^
114 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
hj the birth of five daughters, to all of whom he gave the verj best edacation Cali-
fornia afforded. One daughter graduated from the State University at Berkeley.
Moses Bodgers was one member of the race whose color the pioneers of the oppo-
site race never for a moment stopped to consider. He was at all times treated as a
distinguished citizen. The esteem with which he was held can be better understood
from the following quotation which appeared in a pioneer paper. The Merced Star:
**A carload of machinery arrived at the depot last Friday, consigned to the Mount
Ghdns Mine, Mariposa County. Moses Bodgers, of Homitos, than whom there is no
better mining man in the State, has been engaged as its superintendent. The standing
and known energy of the men backing the enterprise are a guarantee that the mine
will be carefully handled and worked on a paying basis. The Mount Cains Mine is
well known among mining men to be good mining property, and the new arrangement
and its undoubted success will mean a great deal for mining in the vicinity of Homitos. * *
Moses Bodgers was not only actively engaged in mining, but was interested in and
contributed liberally to every movement that was of benefit to the race. In order
that he might give his daughters the advantage of better school facilities, he removed
his family to Stockton, and built an elegant home which even to this day is attractive
and is located on one of the best residence streets in the town. There was no gas at
that date in Stockton and he was the first to bore for it. He did not give up his efforti
until he had spent thousands of dollars in boring a well and a flow of gas was finally
reached, but his partners were not satisfied and there was nothing made of it.
A bank cashier of Merced, for whom he ^ted as bondsman, was accused of a di»
crepancy in his accounts. The accusation grieved the bank cashier so that, before tht
trial, he committed suicide and his bondsmen had to make good the funds. Mr. Bod-
gers' bond for this cashier was thirty thousand dollars. The Court ruled that he, to-
gether with the other bondsmen were compelled to pay their bonds. Notwithstanding
■uch heavy losses, he was such a good financier that he left his family comfortable, and
they still retain the homestead in Stockton, together with a few of the mines.
At his death he left a host of warm and appreciative friends in both races who
fully valued his worth to the community, irrespective of color. An idea of the many
kind expressions concerning his death will be given by the following clipping from
the Merced Star, under "Mariposa Items," Goober 25, 1890: "Saturday morning
Moses Bodgers died at his home in Stockton. He was well-known through the Southern
Mines, having arrived in the early fifties from Missouri, where he was bom a slave.
He entered actively into mining pursuits and followed mining the balance of his life.
He was an expert in his line and his opinion was always sought by intending pur-
chasers of mines. He was a man of honor and his word was as good as his bond. He
was energetic in his younger days and took a great interest in helping along any good
enterprise."
The following is one of many kind letters of condolence:
"San Francisco, California, Oct. 22, 1900.
"Mrs. M. L. Bodgers, Stockton, Calif omia.
"Dear Madam: A card was received this morning notifying me of the death of
Mr. Bodgers, of which I am sorry to learn. I have known Mr. Bodgers a long time and
knew him only to respect him. It is tme he was a colored man, but I always regarded
him as the whitest man in all my acquaintance of Mariposa County.
"In all his dealings and business relations in every way he was as honorable, high-
toned a man as I have ever met. When with him I never had the feeling that he was
a colored man. It never seemed to occur to me. I have sat at his table many times
and he at mine, and the reflection that he was a colored man never entered my mind.
He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. But he has gone and many others of
his day are dropping out. The time wiU soon come when all of that generation will
have passed. I must put him down as one of the friends who is forever gone.
* * Very respectfully yours,
"WiLUAM S. Chapman."
Mr. Moses Bodgers, at his death, left a widow and the following daughters: Miss
Adele Bodgers, a professional nurse in Stockton, California; Mrs. Elinor Harrold, of
Spokane, Washington; Miss Lulu Bodgers, who for a number of years has been assist-
ant Postmistress at Homitos, California. She is also an artist with the needle. She
seat to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, held in San Francisco, 1915, two
exqui^te pieces of handiwork, one of embroidery and the other Mexican drawn-work.
An iot z of their beauty and value may be had from the fact that the ladies who had
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OF CALIFORNIA 115
charge of collecting the exhibit for San Joaquin County carried the highest rate of in-
surance on her work of any of the exhibits of embroidery, and the pieces were kept on
display in a glass case during the entire exposition.
Miss Vivian Rodgers, another daughter, graduated with the class of 1909 from the
Uniyersity of California, majoring in Science and Letters. She afterward accepted a
position as teacher in the public schools at Hilo, Hawaiian Islands. While there she
contracted the tropical fever, and after months illness on the island, she returned to
the United States and to her home in Stockton. She never regained her strength and
finaUy passed away. The writer had the pleasure. of meeting her and it seemed more
than sad that one so young, amiable and beautifully educated should have to pass from
the stage of action.
Miss Nettie Bodgers is a modiste and is kept busy by the very best families in
Stockton who wish advanced styles. The entire family shows clearly that they are
well-bom, and, if their father was so grand, noble and good, the mother was equally
80. She has left her imprint on the daughters whom one has only to meet to realize
their superior womanhood and their gentleness of manners.
The Booth family are descendants of Edward Booth, from Viriginia, and Clarice
Bodgers, from Baltimore, Maryland. Edward Booth was of free parentage, but Clarice
had been a slave, owned by Jacob Bodgers. She remembered seeing George Washing-
ton and noted it because he wore knee breeches and handsome buckles.
In after years Clarice married Edward Booth, and the union was blessed by the
birth of several children. They lived two blocks from the monument of George Wash-
ington, which is at the head of Channel street, in Baltimore. In the early Forties the
oldest son, Edward, decided to go to the West Indies and then to the Trinidads, where
he made considerable money in trading. In 1848, he was in Baltimore and, hearing of
the discovery of gold in California, decided to cross the plains in quest of gold. He
arrived in California in the early part of 1849 and was successful in mining claims.
In a year or so he decided to return to Baltimore and bring the remaining members
of the family to California. On his way home he stopped at Oberlin CoUege, in Ohio,
and bought shares in the college; and also made arrangements to send his nephew,
James H. Hubbard, to be educated in this college, the young man's father having died.
Mr. Edward Booth left Baltimore on his return trip to California in November,
1851, accompanied by the following members of the family: George W., Samuel, J.
Elijah, Ann-Maria Booth-Hubbard and Harriett Booth-Gale. Before they could leave
Baltimore they were compelled to prove that they were free persons of color. They
secured the testimony of a Mr. Owens, a white gentleman who had a wholesale grocery
at the comer of Calvert and Lombard streets, in Baltimore, but who lived at the Ben-
zinger Hotel opposite Light Street Methodist Church. The locating of his residence on
a Sunday morning, just as they were about to leave Baltimore, was the beginning of
their troubles. When about to go aboard the ship they had to be measured, notwith-
standing the testimony of Mr. Owens. Mr. Edward Booth protested against allowing
them to take his measure but was forced to submit to this humiliation.
They finally sailed from New York via Panama to Virgin Bay, and from there to
the mouth of the Chagres river, where they obtained the services of some Spaniards to
row them up the river in a canoe, stopping at night on the shore of the river, using for
beds dried hides. Owing to Edward Booth's speaking the Spanish language, he was
enabled to save the life of a man and a woman en route. They finally reached the
town of Chagres.
From this town they took a pack train of mules to cross the Isthmus of Panama.
As there were others who wished to cross, the muleteers decided to make the Booth
family wait over. This they did not wish to do, but, when they began weighing their
freight, they found they had so much that the rate of ten cents per pound mado their
bill more than they could pay. They decided that they would nave to do as others
had done — throw away some of their stuff. They were still heavily loaded. As a last
resort they decided to open the trunk of one of the sisters and discard some of her
belongings. Then they found the cause of the extra weight. She was carrying a set
of sad irons to California. Notwithstanding the fact that it would be difficult and
perhaps impossibfe to buy a set at that date in California, still she was compeUed to
give them up or not continue the journey.
They finally reached Panama City and had to wait three weeks for a steamer to
go to San Francisco. The steamer arrived and it was discovered that they had sold
more tickets than they could accommodate. Just then Mr. Edward Booth discovered
that he had had a previous acquaintance with the captain of the steamship, having met
him in Pittsburg, Pa. Through this acquaintance he and his sis^erjf^^w^jjijlj^^iji^
116 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
on the ship to San Francisco. Daring the interval a sailing ship came into the harbor.
The Booth boys, Sam, George and Elige, engaged passage on this vessel which was
called "Sailing Ship Oabargo." They left port on the 24th of December, 1851. The
captain sailed south to catch the trade winds. In doing so he lost his route and,
when he had taken his bearings, found that he was in the region of the equator. It
was so hot that the pitch used in sealing the vessel began to melt. They finally reached
Acapulco, Mexico, instead of San Francisco. From there they started on the right
course.
After a time the supply of fresh water began to run low and they were only al-
lowed a pint a day for each passenger, which resulted in mutiny on board. A colored
passenger, a Mr. Barney Lee, who understood navigation, stood ready to "Man the
Boat" had the captain deserted, as he threatened to do. Another passenger, who was
acting as cook, also understood navigation. A voyage of several months finally brought
them to California.
Mr. Edward Booth and sisters had arrived in San Francisco and had sailed on the
Sacramento river boat **New World" to Sacramento. The Booth boys were so long
in arriving in San Francisco that their brother had instructed every employee on the
Sacramento river boats to be on the lookout for them and to direct them to Sacra-
mento. They arrived in San Francisco in 1852 and immediately sailed on the steamer
"Sydney Stepp" for Sacramento. Arriving in that city they were met by a flood from
the American river which was coming in torrents down "J" street. This flood had
washed down a large number of river rats which were so large and so many they fright-
ened the Booth boys more than the flood.
The boys, after becoming accustomed to their new surroundings in Califomia, de-
cided to go to the mines. Mr. Elige Booth went to Nevada City, California, and his
brothers to Grass Valley. Mr. George Booth, however, decided to return to Sacramento
and look after their sisters. By so doing he was enabled to keep in touch with every
movement for the betterment of the condition of the race in this State. He became
active as a member of the first Colored State Convention, held in Sacramento in 1855,
in the interest of the "Bight of Testimony" for colored people in the Courts of Jus-
tice. The other male members of the Booth family were just as interested in the wel-
fare of the race, and, whenever they came down from the mines, they contributed heavily
of all their diggings to aid in such movements and to give encouragement to the other
members of the race in the struggle.
In after years Mr. George Booth, married a Mrs. Ferguson, who had come to Cali-
fornia in 1861 from Port Gibson, Mississippi, with the intention of spending three years
with her sister, a Mrs. Harriett Page. Mr. George Booth made his living as an express-
man. He was successful and saved his earnings, and, in his old age, enjoyed aU the
comforts of life. After a happily-married life covering eighteen years, he passed to his
reward, leaving his widow securely protected from hardships. She lived in comfort
until her death which but recently occurred. Mrs. George Booth was a delightful lady
to converse with, a devoted church member and actively engaged in the various church
societies.
Mr. Edward Booth followed mining all his life and was successful. He was very
unselfish both with his family of sisters and brothers and their families, contributing
to every movement of interest to the race. He enjoyed traveling, maldng extensive
trips. Upon hearing that gold had been discovered in Alaska, he decided to leave
Cidif omia and go in quest of it. He took up a claim in Alaska and was a successful
miner, remaining in that country until his death, which occurred in 1900.
The following is quoted from an address made by Mr. Edward Booth before the
Second Annual Convention of the Colored Convention of Califomia: "Mr. President
and gentlemen. I am happy to meet you on this occasion and to respond to the call
on behalf of this convention. The object for which we have met is a good one and
I feel deeply my want of language to express my feelings in relation thereto, but I
will endeavor briefly to present a few facts respecting the condition of our people
in my county. There are about five hundred colored people residing there, variouslj
employed. A few are farmers and mechanics; a small number are engaged in trading,
but the majoritv of them are miners. It is with pride I say, we are diowing to our
white fellow-citizens, that we have some natural abilities.
"We are resolved to let them see that all we want is an equal chance, an open
field and a fair fight. . . . We intend to disprove the allegation that we are naturally
inferior to them. The colored people of Nevada County possess property to the amount
of $3,000,000 in mining claims, water, ditch stock and some real estate. We have one
church, but no permanent school-house. A company is fom|^||^|4^^b^lj^j](^|ie!'^^
OP CALIPOBNIA 117
Mr. James H. Hnbbard, a nephew, whom Mr. Booth sent to Oberlin Oollege to be
edneated, after his graduation eame to Calif omia to live with his mother and the re-
maining members of the family. He was ordained under Bishop T. M. D. Ward of
the A. M. E. Ohureh, and soon became one of the distinguished colored ministers in
the State. He remained in the California Conference until 1905, when he joined the
Colorado Conference, continuing in the Ministry of the Afro-American Methodist
Ohnrch until his death, which occurred in 1912, in Denver, Colorado. He left to mourn «
his passing three daughters and four sons, respectively: Mrs. Ida Williamson; Mrs.
Esther Morrison, of Denver, Colorado; Mrs; E. Gordon, of Furlong Tract near Los
Angeles, California; Messrs. James and Joseph and the Bev. Edward Hubbard, a min-
ister in the A. M. E. Church.
Mr. Elige Booth, a brother,, who graciously furnished the biography of the family,
the writer found to be a delightful and intensely interesting gentleman. He was dig-
nified and reminded one of a gentleman of the old school of aristocracy. His mind was
dear in relating details of the trip to California and in regard to matters of interest
to the race during pioneer times. When questioned concerning the treatment accorded
to Negro miners during pioneer days in California, he replied: "There were often
disputes concerning miners jumping their claims," and then he told of a meeting held
by miners to protect his claim. He said: "A man was a man, even if he was a colored
miner. There were some sections where the colored men were not treated as they
should have^ been, but the minters had a rule that everybody's claim should measure
alike, "fifty feet front running back one hundred feet.'' It was highly interesting
to listen to him tell of the methods used in mining and also something of the life of
the miners of pioneer days in California.
Robert Anthony, who came to Sacramento, California, from St. Louis, Mo., by
ox-team in 1849, was a slave, and worked in the mines for two years to pay for his
freedom. After obtaining his freedom, he mined for himself, owning the first quartz
mill in California. Later he purchased another. His mills were located at Horn-Cut,
between Yuba and Dry-Cut. One mill was worked by horses, the other by water. All
the mining previous to the establishment of these mills was placer mining. By the aid
of the mills men were enabled to go down into the bowels of the earth and bring forth
pieces of mineral-bearing rocks or those showing mineral deposits, and to break these
rocks, securing the gold, silver or other valuable deposits.
Mr. Anthony, in after years, removed his mills to Brown's Valley. One day, while
he ]Cnd the team of dogs which he had been driving were far in the mine, one of the
chambers caved in and crippled him. He worked as a miner until 1905, when, owing to
poor health, he was compelled to give it up. Mr. Anthony was the means of emanci-
pating a young colored girl who was working as a sheep-herder in the Santa Cruz
Mountains, an account of which will be found in the chapter on "Slavery," under the
department entitled, "Slaves Emancipated in California."
Daniel Bodgers came to California in 1849 with his master from Little Bock,
Arkansas. He worked in the mines and in other ways earned enough money to pay
his master $1,100 for his freedom. This money was earned after the work of the day,
which ended at sundown. After a couple of years in California his master decided to
return to Little Bock, Arkansas.
Daniel Bodgers was never satisfied again to live in the South, and decided to try
and return to California with his family. When he was about to start back west, the
master, to whom he had paid the money for his freedom in California, began to make
arrangements to sell him again into slavery, as he had not given the Negro his Freedom
Papers, although he had received the thousand dollars for them. A few white gentle-
men, hearing of the intentions of this slave master, raised a purse of money, paid for
his freedom and gave him his Freedom Papers, signed by the best men in the county. A
copy of the papers may be found in this book.
Daniel Bodgers again started with his family for California, but was again stopped
because his wife did not have her Freedom Paper, an account of which will also be
found in chapter on Slavery. He then made another attempt to reach California with
his family, crossing the plains with an oz-team, spending one year in coming. They arrived
in 1860, locating at Watsonville, where he secured a tract of eighty acres of land and began
life as a farmer.
The following are the names of his children: John, Martin, Sam, James, Car-
rol, Bedmond, Jessie, Julia-Ann, Martha and Sallie Bodgers. They were only chil-
dren and, as the children of slave parents, had not enjoyed the blessing or advantage
of an education. The first thing to be done for them was to apply to the school board
of the township for a school and a teacher. The board was slow in securing a teacher.
In the meantime the oldest daughter decided to marry a colored gentleman who had
118 THE NEGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
previously moved to Watsonville, a Mr. John Derriek. The union was blessed by tlie
birth of several children, which in time opened the school doors to both the children of
the Bodgers and of the Derrick families, who still lived in Watsonville and were anxious
for an education.
The Board of Education secured the services of a young white girl of northern
parentage, a Miss Knowlton, who because of her own home influence and education,
which was of the spirit of the Abolitionist, gave so much of her personal interest to the
welfare of the chUdren that they became devoted to her. It has been the writer's
privilege and pleasure to interview this teacher, who, among other things, said that
she recognized the excellent talent of the children of these two colored families, the
Bodgers and the Derricks. She spoke of how she had urged their parents to move to
San Francisco, where the children could advance in a higher education and in the
struggle in life's battles. This teacher further said that it was gratifying to her in
after years to learn that they aU had made a success of life.
John Derrick came to California in 1859 and located in Watsonville. The next
year the Bodgers family also located in the same town, which resulted in the meeting
and marriage of Mr. Derrick and Miss Martha Bodgers. The union was blessed by the
following children: John, Lincoln, Nellie, Andy, Jake, Artismisa and Eva Derrick.
These children were given the best education that Calif omia afforded. They have lived
creditable lives, filling positions of responsibility, both in the United States Government
and also local appointments. They are distinguished members of the St. Augustine
Episcopal Church for colored people, located in Oakland, and are actively engaged in
every movement of interest to the race in California. Mr. Lincoln Derrick is an
associate editor of the Western Outlook, of San Francisco, published for the benefit of
the race in all of the State, and is considered thoroughly reliable. Daniels Bodgers died
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Derrick, in Oakland.
Albert Grubbs, senior, was bom in Lexington, Kentucky, and came to California in
1854. He was the body servant to the Honorable Henry Clay, traveled with him during
his public life, and closed his eyes in death. After coming to California, Mr. Gmbbe
located in Sacramento and, after spending a number of years in the laundry business,
began teaming, and took an active part in every movement for the uplift of the race.
He had one son born in Sacramento, to whom he gave a good education. After the boy
had completed the course in the public schools, he was sent to the private school con-
ducted by Bev. Peter Cassey, in San Jose, California.
Mr. Grubbs, junior, has always been an active Episcopalian, at the present time
being a vestryman and church clerk of the St. Augustine Episcopalian Mission, located
at Oakland, and an active participant in any movement of interest to the race. While
quite young he joined the Sacramento Zouaves, a military company of colored men. At
the time he joined he was too young to become a regular cadet, and was made a
"marker boy." He remained with the organization for many years, retiring from it
as second lieutenant.
Mr. Grubbs has been employed a great many years by the Southern Pacific Bailroad
company. Something of an estimate of the high regard in which the gentleman is held
can be given by the foUowing letter sent to the home offices by the head of the San
Francisco office after the great earthquake and fire of 1906:
"Temporary Office of Secretary, Southern Pacific Bailroad Company, 72 San Pablo
Avenue, Boom 8, Oakland, California.
August 13, 1906.
J. L. WiLLicuTT, Mb. E. E. Calvin,
Secretary, Vice-President and General Manager,
C. P. Lincoln, Southern Pacific Company,
Assistant Secretary, Ferry Building.
**Dear Sir: The recent published reports that employes of the Southern Pacific
Company who had been rendered destitute by the fire are to receive financial assistance
from the company, and the later reports that money is already being paid to some of
its employes, while others have but just heard that there was such a plan on foot, has
led two of the latter, both of whom are old and most deserving employes, to call upon
me with the view of learning if I had been notified of the plan or knew whether or
not their names were under consideration, to which I was obliged to make a negative
reply.
' * The first is Albert Grubbs, who is now and for the past six years has been employed
in my office. He entered the service of the company in May, 1870, as massenger in the
telegraph office at ^cramento, and was engaged in that and General Manager Town's
office for some two or three years, then went into the Sacramento shops and learned
OP CAUPOBNIA 119
the trade of cabinet-maker. From there, on account of ill health, he was placed on the
pay-train, at the suggestion of Secretary Miller, in which capacity he continued for
nine years.
"He was then transferred to a position in the Auditor's and Secretary's offtces,
having the charge and care of the paid coupons, in which line of work he has now been
especially employed for nearly fifteen years, and a more correct, earful, painstaking
man it would be difficult to find.
"The coupon records in my department have been gradually increasing through
the consolidation of various roads, which, together with the new issues of bonds, has
required of Albert constant application to his duties and many extra hours of service.
He lost all of his furniture and personal effects by the fire, for which he received $300
insurance money, which is all he now has to show for his life's work. • • . During
the respective thirty-six years' service • . . not a coupon has been mislaid or a
dime unaccounted for, . . . nor has anything occurred to attract him from his direct
line of duty to the company, and I therefore feel that I am called upon to present such
worthy and meritorious cases to your attention in the belief that it is your desire to
learn of such instances of remarkable care and devotion to the company's interests.
"Tours very truly,
(Si^ed) "J. L. WnjJOUTT, Seoretary."
The person acting as copyist was so delighted over the letter that he asked per-
mission to give Mr. Grubbs a copy, and thus the writer has been able to reproduee it
here. One of the largest dailies in Oakland, The Oakland Tribune, as a speeustl feature
in its issue of December 24, 1910, published a full-page article commenting on the
services rendered by Albert Grubbs to the Southern Pacific Company. The article was
headed, "Handled Millions in Coupons," and in every way spoke in the highest terms
of the subject of the sketch.
Mr. Grubbs married young and the union was blessed by the birth of one son, to
whom was given the best education possible. He was ambitious to learn a tra^e, and
chose to become an electrician. He secured work as errand-boy in a ladies' tailor shop
and studied at nights and mastered a correspondence course in the California Electricid
Works. He then secured employment with Charles Person & Co., located at 102 PoweU
Street, San Francisco, the only electrical store in San Francisco owned by a colored
man, and had been employed here for two years when Mr. Persons died. He then
secured employment as foreman- in a white store. Afterward, for a while, he was
employed at Uie Union Iron Works, learning to be a machinist. Finding the color
prejudices so great a hindrance to securing work, he studied and mastered the Spanish
language and sailed for Buenos Ayres, South America.
He married Miss Carrie Phelps, of Chicago, who in time joined him. He now has
regular employment in one of the largest shops in the South American city.
GiOBGB Washington Dinnis.
This sketch, which portrays the struggles in the life of the late Mr. George Wash-
ington Dennis, i^ both interesting and valuable. It carries with it a grand lesson to
those of today who think they are handicapped because of their color. It should be
inspiring because the subject, even with his handicap, never for a moment lost his
great ambition to better not only the condition of his mother and himself, but that of
his race.
In after years he was a prime factor in all the struggles of his race against adverse
legislation. He reared a most interesting family which is a credit to the community.
He was a loving father and a devoted husband, a highly respected citizen of San Fran-
cisco and the State of California. His life stands out in bold relief in proof of the
fact that if a man wills, he can make his life represent something to the world for the
betterment of mankind.
The following facts in the life of George Washington Dennis were given by his
son, Edward Dennis, who said:
"George Washington Dennis came to California September 17, 1840, with the
gambling party that opened the 'Eldorado Hotel' in San Francisco. This party of
nimblers was from New Orleans and was composed of the following persons: Green
Dennis, a slave trader, from Mobile, Alabama; Joe and Jim Johnson, from Ohio, and
Andy McCabe. When they reached Colon, the only passage they were able to obtain
was a row-boat, which they used up the Chagres river to Panama.
' ' While en route from Panama to San Francisco, the gamblers lost and re-won Mr.
Dennis three different times. He was their slave and therefore chattel property. When
they engaged passage on the steamr at Panama for San Francisco^, ^^^ d^N^i^^^i^^IS?^
120 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
them $350 for the Negro, sinee it was not certain that he was a slave, and the laws did
not permit the carrying of slave passengers. This was done presumably to proteet tha
captain from a fine if Mr. Dennis was a slave.
"The entire party in dne time reached San Francisco and opened the 'Eldorado
Hotel,' a tent measuring 30 by 100 feet, which they had brought from New Orleana.
They located on the comer of Washington and Kearney streets^ on the site which is
now the home of the Hall of Justice. The Eldorado Hotel ran a faro bank and monte,
ten tables going night and day. They were played during the day by men and at night
by women. Green Dennis made the subject of this sketch the proposition that if he
would save his money he could purchase his freedom. George W. Dennis was given the
position of porter of this hotel at a salary of $250 per month. Mr. Dennis, very anxious
to secure his freedom and at the same time to start life with a little money, saved the
sweepings from the gambling tables and at the end of three months he paid, in five
and ten cent pieces, the sum of $1000, and received a bill for himself from Green Dennis,
who was his father and also his master.
"Shortly afterward Joe and Jim Johnson, who were of the party of gamblers,
decided to give up gambling and return to Ohio and bring to California some graded
cattle. Joe Johnson told Mr. Dennis that if he wished he would bring back Dennis's
mother, whereupon the subject of this sketch paid to Green Dennis the sum of $950 for
the freedom of his mother, and Mr. Johnson returned to California* with her. She
lived in San Francisco with her son many years afterward, dying at the advanced age
of 105 years.
"Upon the arrival of his mother in San Francisco, Mr. Dennis rented one of the
gambling tables at $40 per day for the privilege of his mother serving hot meals in the
gambling house on it. Eggs were selling at $12 per dozen, apples 25 cents apiece, and
a loaf of broad $1. While her expenses were heavy, she averaged $225 a day. After
working here two years he decided to start out for himself and went with the ' Frazier
Biver Mining Company.' He staked two or three claims, but was not successful, and
returned to San Francisco, going to work for the same parties at the 'Eldorado Hotel'
at the same salary, making money rapidly. Mr. Dennis and Mifflin Gibbs decided to
purchase, in partnership, a piece of property on Montgomery between Jackson and
Pacific, paying eighteen thousand dollars for the same. After holding it for six months
they sold it for thirty-two thousand dollars. In 1856 Mr. Dennis bought the block
bounded by Post, Geary, Hyde and Larkins streets, paying one thousand five hundred
and fifty dollars for the same. He built a homesite on this property for his children,
four, of whom were born at this place. Later he purchased a block on Post, Sutter,
Scott and Divisidera streets, paying three hundred and fifty dollars. He sold the
greater part of this at a good margin, but retained until his death the beautiful home
and homestead, notwithstanding he passed through seven fires in San Francisco. Each
time the city was destroyed he lost all, with others.
"Mr. Dennis opened the first livery stable in San Francisco. It was located at
Sansome and Washington streets, on the site now occupied by the Custom House. Later
he had a partner, a Mr. James Brown. The British government wanted five hundred
cavalry horses, and Mr. Dennis secured the contract to furnish them. He bought the
horses and, after breaking them, shipped them to the British govmment. This was not
done without its hardships of jealousy. Mr. Dennis had in his employ an Irishman who
poisoned ninety head of these horses. It was proven that he did it, and resulted in his
conviction before a court of justice, the judge giving him a sentence of fourteen years
in the penetentiary. After Mr. Dennis disposed of his horses to the British government
he gave up the livery stable business and opened a wood and coal yard on Broadway
near Montgomery street, in San Francisco.
"Mr. Dennis then decided that he needed a helpmate, and was fortunate in mar-
rying Miss Margaret A. Brown, the daughter of James Brown, who' had come to San
.Francisco, with his family, from Baltimore in 1845. The marriage was celebrated June
21, 1855, Bev. Thomas officiating and the Hon. Mifflin Gibbs acting as groomsman. The
bride was attended by her sister. Miss Charlotte Brown, as bridesmaid. The couple
lived to celebrate their golden wedding in San Francisco, a privilege granted to but few.
Many years afterward Mrs. Dennis passed away. The union was blessed by the birth
of eleven children, all of whom were given the best education obtainable in Calif omia«
The foUowing are the names of the children: Margaret L. Benston, Mrs. C. B. Downs,
William E., Andrew, Alexander, Julian, Joseph, George, Carlisle, Edward and Link
Dennis."
Thiif family is remarkable not only because they won honors in school as great
scholars, but their children have followed in their footsteps and have won the same
distinction. Mrs. Margaret L. Dennis-Benston, for instance, ^(f^j^ ^^^f^^red girl
OP CALIFORNIA 121
to graduate from the San Francisco High School, graduating with honors in a class of
fifteen hundred students. She was most efficient in the Spanish and Chinese languages^
and afterward taught in a private school for Chinese. 8e had been offered a position
as interpreter for the courts of San Francisco, when she suddenly decided that she
would rather marry Captain Benston.
The daughter by this union is now Mrs. Margaret Benston-Evans. She graduated
with a class of seven hundred from the Commercial High School, in San Francisco, as
the valedictorian of her class. She speaks and translates the Spanish language and is
a stenographer of ability. Aside from these accomplishments, she has been trained in
elocution and short-story writing, which has resulted in her writing ten or more plays,
many of which she has produced for charity. She married young to a United States
Naval steward, a Mr. Evans, who has the distinction of being the steward of the Pacific
Fleet of the United States Navy. Since it will be impossible to give a sketch of each
of the eleven children, the writer will only give a short review of the interesting lives
of a few members of the family.
Mr. George Dennis studied law at Hastings Law College, of San Francisco, and took
a business course in Heald's Business College. He was very prominent in politics, and
was a member of the Democratic State Central Committee, representing Alameda County.
He took a prominent part in Mr. Hasting 's nomination and election, and seconded the
nomination of Governor Budd, at the Convention held in the Old Baldwin Theatre, San
Francisco, and stumped the State in the interest of the election of Governor Budd. He
was a member of the Y. M. I. (Toung Men's Institute) and the Knights of Columbus.
He was employed as solicitor for Hamburg Bremen Insurance Company at a salary
of $150 a month for twenty-seven years, and, although he was in poor health for fully
two years before his death, they retained him on the pay-roll at half -pay. The night
before his death the priest and the order of T. M. I. came in a body and offered for and
with him **The Holy Viaticum,*' or prayers for the dying.
Carlisle Dennis worked for Mark Hopkins' family for eleven years as butler, and
for five years as secretary to the widow, Mrs. Mark Hopkins, who was a stockholder of
the Southern Pacific railroad, associated with the late Governor Stanford, Mr. Crocker
and C. P. Huntington. Mrs. Hopkins died leaving forty-two million dollars.
Mr. Link Dennis for a number of years was a clerk for the Standard Oil Company.
Mr. Edward Dennis was a policeman, the first of the race in Sim Francisco; Joe Dennis,
an altar boy in St. Dominica's Catholic church. Miss Elsie, who is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Dennis, is a violinist and pianist and gives great promise as an artist
with the brush.
Mrs. Annie Peters, a most charming lady, and the oldest living pioneer of color in
California, came to the State in 1851, with the family of Bev. Elavil Scott Mines, the
first Episcopal minister on the Pacific Coast, who founded the Trinity Church of San
Francisco, brought the church around the Horn and rebuilt it in San Francisco. Mrs.
Peters, who was then Miss Garrick, was just fourteen years old when she landed in
New York from her home in the Island of St. Croix, West Indies. She was most thor-
oughly educated in a private school on the Island. She was a keen observer of things
and events that were making California history. She has been a great assistance to
the writer in many talks with regard to pioneer days in San Francisco. The writer has
many scrap-books filled with newspaper clippings given to her for use in this book by
Mrs. Peters. Her patriotic instinct, race pride and love of the beautiful, even when
a very young girl, would do credit to any man or woman of today.
The writer is very much indebted to Eev. David E. Wallace for a letter of intro-
duction to Mrs. Peters. She was a member of the First Mission established for colored
people in San Francisco, and in this way Father Wallace knew of her and the value she
could be to the writer in telling things of vital interest concerning the Negro race and
its early history in California. After being convinced that the material was to be
used for the best interests of the race, her face lit up like the halo around the painting
of a Madonna. She said: ''Thank God, my prayers have been answered. I have
saved these clippings and data all these years, and now that I am going to make a
change I am glad to give them to yon."
The first visit of the author to this grand old lady waa a perfect literary feast,
one to liv€\ in the memory the same aai the recollection of a firat visit to Calif omia
fields of wild flowers after the winter rains in the land of Sunshine, a feeling indescrib-
able. Such was the great inspiration secured from every visit to Mrs. Peters. She
would pour out her soul like the music of a great organ, as she would tell of the strug-
gles of the colored people in pioneer days in California. A favorite expression of hers
was: ''The events are painted upon my memory and brain," and many an event that
historians had forgotten to mention as of value to the Negro she ^f|(£^j^vreci^ together
122 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
with the tmtli about the tame, and why some white persons were mistreated, even today,
by writers "because they defended the Negro and his rights even against their own
best interests." Mrs. Peters was still living in January, 1918.
Nathaniel Pointer, the subject of this sketch, came to San Francisco, Califomis,
in 1852. He went into business with Mifflin Gibbs, opening the Philadelphia Store.
Later he was joined by other relatives, who came from Mississippi via Panama. In the
party was his mother, grandmother, two uncles, four cousins and two aunts.
In 1863 Miss Mary Pointer, another member of the family, came to Calif omia, and,
after living in San Francisco for three years, sent back east for her father and mother,
William and Julia Ann Pointer; her brothers, John, Nathaniel and Charles; her sisters,
Mary and Ellen Pointer. After coming to California, Miss Mary Pointer married Mr
John Callander, and they opened a boarding house for sailors at No. 5 Broadway, San
Francisco, May, 1866.
Mr. Frank Shelton, the subject of this sketch, came to California from Orange
County, Virginia, with his mother, in 1847. His father, Samuel Shelton, came to the State
in 1840, and followed mining.
Frank, the youngest son, was given a fair education by private teachers until the
organization of a colored school which was taught by Bev. J. J. Moore. When the gold
craze was at its height and men were going to British Columbia, he joined the crowd
and spent several years there as a miner. He was very successful.
Previous to his going to British Columbia he helped to organize a Baptist church
in San Francisco, purchasing with his own money an old warehouse which was eon-
verted into a church. He had two daughters, Lizzie and Julia, to whom he gave the
best education then attainable. They were sent to a private school conducted by Bev.
Peter Cassey and located at San Jose, California. The Misses Shelton graduated from
this institution with honors.
In after years Mr. Frank Shelton returned from British Columbia and, locating in
San Francisco, became a successful furniture dealer in new and second-hand furniture.
He died leaving his family weU provided for, with many pieces of valuable property.
His wife was left in full charge of the estate until her death, which did not occur until
a generation afterward. She was very liberal and gave heavily to charitable institu-
tions. Several years previous to her death, which occurred at the ripe old age of ninety
years, she made a gift-deed to her daughters whereby they secured the rental of some of
the property before her death.
Miss Julia Shelton became the wife of Captain Shorey. She has an interesting
sketch in the department devoted to Distinguished Women.
Few people are blessed with a long life which passes the century mark, as has been
the subject of this sketch, Mrs. Susan Wilson, who came to California in 1853 from
Wayne County, Missouri, going first to Texas and from there to California by the way
of the ox-team. She had three children of her own with her. It was most interesting
to hear her tell of the long, tedious journey across the plains, and how the Indians would
frighten them, and how, at one time, they came near being massacred by the Indians.
There were one hundred wagons in the ox-team. They started on their trip to the
coast in March, and reached Miles Creek, Mariposa County, California, three weeks
before Christmas. This lady is now more than one hundred years of age. Her daughters
have all married and have interesting and highly respected families. One daughter
married Mr. Edward Wysinger. Mrs. Wilson makes her home in Oakland with another
daughter, a Mrs. Quinn, while a third, Mrs. Allen, and Mr. Beuben Wysinger, a grandson,
live at Fowler.
Mr. James Segee, his wife, Elizabeth, and young daughter, Emma, coming to Cali-
fornia from Jacksonville, Florida, via the Isthmus of Panama, arrived in San Francisco
in 1852. Later they moved to Marysville, where they decided to open a laundry, and
afterward were joined by the other members of the family, Mary and Julia Hermandez,
who came from Florida in 1853. When the Frazier Biver gold excitement reached Cali-
fornia the aunts decided to go to British Columbia and cook, at a wage of $100 a week.
Mr. and Mrs. Segee sent their daughter, Emma, to Canada with them, that she might
be educated in the public school of that place. She remained there for seven years,
when she returned to Marysville, where she married Mr. Washington and was given a
position as the first colored public school teacher in that city.
"Peter Powers, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Missouri, of slave parents,
in 1828. His mother died a few months afterward. He was reared by his mistress,
being well liked, and was placed in charge of the farm and the ferry, which he managed
with success for a number of years. When his mistress died she said he should be free,
which wish her husband carried out at his death. But the laws were that, on becoming
free, he had to leave the State, which he did in 1857. Before leaving he married Miss
' Digitized bfvj^^i^VlV^
OP CALIFORNIA 123
Baehel Seals, daughter of Frank Seals, of Kentucky. Leaving Warsaw on April, 1858,
he crossed the plfdns. When at Gravelf ord, on the Humboldt river, they were attacked
by Indians, whom they put to flight, having only one man wounded, but many redmen 'a
scalps. At this place a Mr. Martin lost three hundred head of cattle. Peter Powers
engaged in mining and at the same time kept a boarding house and laundry, which he
continued for three years. He then moved to Grass Valley, spending an unprofitable
year there, after which he moved to MarysviUe, where he soon accumulated property
and first learned to read and write. He continued his studies until he, at length, was
able to attend to all of his own affairs. Afterward he became a teacher in the public
school for a number of years. Later on, in 1865, he and his family moved to Tehama
County, where he took up land. Li 1866 his wife died. It was at this place he began
building a church. In- 1870 he went to Chico and bought property and planned and
built a church on two beautiful lots belonging to colored citizens. This was known as
the A. M. K Church. He was elected to represent his County in a school convention."
— The Souvenir of Prominent Colored People of the Pacific Coast.
Mr. William Bobinson, coming to California and locating in Bed Bluff in 1859, came
from West Virginia across the plains. He engaged in the restaurant business and
invested heavily in mining stock. He owned a group of mines at North San Juan,
Nevada County, California. He married Mrs. Logan in 1861, a widow who had come
to California with three children from Arkansas, and locted in Bed Bluff. The union
was blessed by the birth of three additional children. Mr. Bobinson believed in acquiring
prox>erty and owned property wherever he lived. He was fortunate to be able, when
his children were old enough to attend school, to employ a private teacher, and opened
a school for his children at North San Juan, Nevada County, California. He then began
a movement to establish a public school for all colored children, and was joined in the
movement by his wife, Mr. A. J. Logan, of Palocedro, Shasta County, California, and
Mr. and Mrs. P. D. Logan, who all worked in unison to establish a colored school in
Bed Bluff. They also worked to coUect the -money to build a church for the A. M. E.
denomination in Bed Bluff. Mr. Bobinson kept the pastor for years free of cost.
Miss Clara Logan-Bobinson in time became too advanced for the colored school,
whereupon her father, Mr. Bobinson, again took steps to fight for her admission into
the public High School of Bed Bluff, ^is resulted in this daughter graduating in the
pioneer class. She was the first colored girl to receive a certificate to teach. She
taught in one of the Bed Bluff public schools. Mr. Bobinson sent his sons to San Fran-
cisco to be educated under the instruction of J. B. Sanderson.
Mr. William Bobinson believed in fighting the battles of the race through politics
without the hope of personal gain. He rescued from slavery, long years after the
Emancipation Proclamation, two young colored women in Bed Bluff, Miss Hster Ander-
son and Miss Bell Grant. Mr. Bobinson was a valuable member of the race, and shared
their struggles throughout the State, giving liberaUy of both time and money in
assisting the members of the Eexecutive Committee of the Colored Convention. He
died at the age of sixty-eight, much beloved by all who knew him.
Mrs. Cloye Burnett Logan-Flood came to the Pacific Coast with some white people,
crossing the plains in 1853 into Umicano Valley, Oregon, where she lived until eleven
years old. The people were unkind to her and one day she decided that she was going
to California. She proceeded to mount a horse and ride to Shastatown, and afterward
to Bed Bluff, where she secured work. In after years she married Mr. Griffin Logan
and moved to Tehama County.
Mr. Logan was engaged in farming and sheep-raising and was very successful. The
union was blessed by the birth of ^ve girls^ and one boy, Byron Logan, who was an
upholsterer by trade. The girls are: Mrs. Hickerson of Guinda, California; Mrs.
Houston, of Los Angeles; Mrs. Edward Johnson, of Berkeley;* Mrs. William Stephens,
of Del Monte, California, and Mrs. Blick, of New York City.
After the death of Mr. Logan his widow moved to Berkeley, where she followed
professional nursing. After her children were grown, she married Mr. Flood, a member
of the old pioneer family of that name in Oakland. She is a delightful lady, much
loved by all who know her.
Mr. James Churchill came to California in 1849 with a party of white people. He
had an interesting experience shortly after the party crossed the mountains into Cali-
fornia. Mr. Churchill met a bear and succeeded in killing it. His experience in killing
this bear he told in after years to a colored school-boy in MarysviUe, by the name of
James Allen, who wrote a good story concerning it and published it in the MarysviUe
High School paper. Mr. Churchill, after locating in MarysviUe, became a teamster in
the mountains, and owned a ranch in the northern part of the State. He was the proud
father of fifteen children, nine of whom were Uving at the time of his deathi^/iBe/lii^ed
124 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
in California fifty-nine years, the greater part of which was spent in Marysville. His
wife, Mrs. Mary Churchill, came from Missouri in 1853. The remaining members of his
family now living in Marysville are: Sons, William, Phillip, Albert and Oeorge;
daughters, Mrs. Ellen Breeden, Mrs. W. G. Holland, Mrs. Annie Breeden, Mrs. A. B.
Davis and Mrs. Ida Churchill.
Mr. William Hart, the subject of this sketch, came to California in 1849. He drove
and cared for race horses from Richmond, Virginia, to Little Bock, Arkansas, and thenee
to California. Upon his arrival in California he immediately went to the mines to work
for himself. Since he was free-bom all his earnings were his own. He successfully
mined at Angel and Chinese Camps. He gave Uber^y to every movement of interest
to the race in its struggle for the right to live in California. Hei was painstaking and
saving, which resulted in his leaving his family, at his passing, comfortably provided
against a rainy day. He left a ranch on the Mariposa Boad, which still yields a good
income. He left a widow and twelve children, seven of whom were boys. AU of the
children were given the best education possible. His son, Daniel Dabney Hart, who
graduated at the age of nineteen years, was, up to 1914, the only boy of the race to
have graduated from the public high schools in San Joaquin County. He took the civil
service examination and received an appointment as clerk in the San Francisco post-
office. Charles Hart is employed in the street department of Stockton, California. The
daughters, Alice, Helen and Buth Hart, are exquisite needlewomen. Miss Helen Hart
sent a perfectly wonderful piece of French hand embroidery to the Panama-Pacific
International Exposition, in San Francisco, in 1915. It was so daintily done it was
impossible to tell it from a piece of imported handwork. The mother of this family
is a thoroughly gentlewoman and most interesting. She showed the writer a rocker
and cart used by her husband when he did placer mining in Angel and Chinese Camps.
Dr. Fletcher, coming to California from the Island of Saint Christopher, Danish
West Indies, arrived in San Francisco in 1860. He joined the Navy and served until
1865, when he returned to San Francisco and for three years practiced in the Ham-
man Baths, afterward moving to Sacramento.
Mr. John Gryder came to California in 1841, with Major Bumey, Dick Gardner and
Major Wyeth, owners of fine horses. They came from Silver County, Tennessee, through
Mexico to California. He acted as horse-trainer for the party. After reaching Cali-
fornia Mr. Gryder decided to follow mining. He worked in the mines at Murphy's
Diggings, which was located seventy miles from Stockton. He was very successfiil and
paid Major Wyeth $800 to^ bring his mother to California. Upon her arrival he pur-
chased her a home in Marysville, where Mrs. Caroline Gryder spent the remaining day?
of her life. Mr. Gryder has practiced as a veterinary surgeon' in Vallejo almo^ con-
tinuously since 1851. He was a member of the Bear Flag Party and, at one of the
celebrations of the Native Sons and Daughters, he rode in state through the streets of
Vallejo in their procession.
Mrs. Addie Stanley came to California with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Baimus.
They came across the plains by ox-team from Galena, Illinois, to Nevada City, Nevada
County, California, arriving September 20, 1852. She married Mr. John Stanley in
Sacramento in 1872. He had come to CaUf omia during early pioneer days, and at his
marriage was acting as valet to Governor Booth, filling the position with credit for
eleven years.
''John A. Barber, bom of free parents in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in 1834,
immigrated to this State in 1853 and entered upon a business career as a contractor
and builder. He won for himself a world-wide reputation as an orator and an agitator.
He associated with others in drawing up many petitions which were sent to the legis-
lature in behalf of colored people.
' ' Mr. Barber was Grand Marshal of the procession that commemorated the adoption
of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. As Past Grand
Marshal of the colored lodge of California and Grand Lecturer, he exercised a potent
influence. Mr. Barber, though not a politician, was a delegate and represented the
Thirty-third Assembly District of San Francisco at the Democratic State Convention at
San Jose, California, being the first of the race in the State to receive such a dis-
tinction. ' ' — Prominent Afro-Americana of Pacifie Coast.
Henry Miles, the subject of this sketch, came to California in 1853 from Baltimore,
Maryland. He immediately went to the mines and was very successful, purchasing
several mines in Calavares County, California. He also purchased five hundred acres
of land fourteen mUes from Stockton. His family did not reach the State until 1857,
the sons, William Blake and John, having come earlier. The daughters, Silvia, Sara
and Josephine, came with their mother, Mrs. Miles. The family then moved to San
Francisco, and Mr. Miles took a contract to do the grading oi[,^,||^^^^^^f^^U>ying a
OP CALIFORNIA 125
large number of teama. He gave his children the best edacatlon possible. William
Blake beeame an instructor in music and also the leader of a band. One daughter,
Sara, is a finished vocalist. She married Mr. Alexander Taylor, who was an excellently
educated musician. They went east and, after spending considerable time in study
under the best instructors in music, both vocal and instrumental, they decided to make
a tour, first in the United States and then of the European countries. While in Prague,
(Germany, a son was bom to them, which was the first colored child ever bom in the
country, and for that reason the niler of the place and his wife acted as god-parents
of the child and gave it what would amount in our money to the sum of two hundred
and fifty doUars. Silva, another daughter, married a German carpenter who was very
successful and invested heavily in property, at one time owning ten or more good
two-story, modem houses. They still own a ranch down the peninsula. The writer refers
to Mr. and Mrs. Bennett, of Oakland. William Blake, a son, was not only a splendid
musician, but he mingled freely in every movement that was of interest to the race.
He was an active member of the Young Men's Beneficial Society of San Francisco, and
of the Executive Committee of the Colored Convention.
Joseph McKinney, the subject of this sketch, came across the plains with Captain
McKinney from Missouri to California in 1854. He engaged in stock-raising and
farming in Merced County. He afterward owned 1,700 acres of land.
Captain William T. Shorey was bora in the Island of Barbadoes of the British
West Indies. The son of a sugar-planter and a beautiful creole lady by the name of
Miss Bosa Frazier, he was the oldest of a family of eight children. When quite young
he learned the trade of plumber, but, like many of the boys living on the island, pre-
ferred to follow the sea. He shipped on a saiUng vessel to Boston, where he learned
navigation from Captain Whipple A. Leach, of Vermont, who, at the time, was residing
at Provincetown, Cape Cod. He afterward applied and was accepted as a seaman on
the sailing bark "Emma H. Herman," a whaling-vessel sailing, for Boston. During
this cruise they touched several points along the Bouih Atlantic, west coast of Africa,
sailing around the Cape of Good Hope and calling in at Australia and Tasmania, and
thence around to the west coast of South America, touching at Chili, Valparaiso, Peru
and Panama, and from thence to San Francisco. This cruise lasted three years, during
which time Mr. Shorey was promoted from third officer to first officer of the vesseL
After this voyage the vessel was sold to McGee and Moore, of San Francisco, where-
upon Mr. Shorey sailed on the same vessel as second officer with a new crew, en route
to the Arctic Ocean. On the next cmise he sailed as first officer and had a very suc-
cessful voyage; on the third cruise he sailed as master of the vesseL Previous to
sailing he married Miss Julia Ann Shelton, of San Francisco, and they went on this
cruise, during their honeymoon, to Mexico and the Hawaiian Islands. Shortly before
they landed the volcano Mt. Pelee became active and, shortly after the lava flowed
down the mountain-side, the waters of the ocean were so heated that the fish were
killed for miles around the harbor.
Mrs. Shorey was a keen observer and a great lover of nature, aside from being a
sea captain 's wife. While on the island she gathered considerable valuable information
and sent an interesting letter to the editor of the San Francisco Elevator, who pub-
lished the same in a weekly issue of the paper. The party afterward landed at Honolulu,
where Captain Shorey left the party and continued his cruise to the Arctic region,
Mrs. Shorey, accompanied by other sea-captains' wives, returned to California. It was
not the custom then for sea-captains to be^ accompanied to the Arctic coast by their
wives. The captain was gone about one year, returning to San Francisco after a sue-
cesafnl cruise. After being on the "Emma Herman" for several years, he was trans-
ferred to the "Andrew Hicks." After several successful voyages on this vessel he
transferred to the "Alexander," making two successful voyages on her, but on the
third voyage he lost her in an Arctic ice pack, without the loss of life. The captain
and entire crew returned by a Government vessel to San Francisco, sailing the next
year in the whaling-bark "Gay Head." Captain Shorey was accompanied on this
cruise by his wife and daughter, Zenobia. When they reached the Hawaiian Islands
the daughter feU ill, and l&s. Shorey was compelled to return home, where the child
died. Captain Shorey continued on the voyage to the Arctic region, returning as usual
in the fall after a successful cruise. The captain attributed his wonderful and amazing
success to his happiness in having his wife and daughter accompany him part of the
voyage.
During the many years Captain Shorey was cruising as whaling sea-captain in the
Pacific Ocean he had many thrilling experiences. They were often prominently men-
tioned in the daily press. The vessel which Captain Shorey then mastered left the port
of Ban Francisco February 9, 1901, and returned November 8, XQOl. J^^^J. TSW^
126 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
had been wrecked during the season no one expected the return of this bark. When
she was sighted the Examiner sent a reporter out in the pilot boat with the pilot who
was bringing the bark into port. The f oUowing appeared in the paper the next day
with the headlines: "Whaling bark passed through two tjrphoons. Only vessel on
the coast having a colored captain safely reached harbor after trying experiences. —
Battered about in two terrible typhoons, the whaling bark 'John and Winthrope' ar-
rived yesterday in a bedraggled condition, having lost four of her boats and davits and
being otherwise damaged by the storms through which she passed during her vojrage
from the Okhotsk Sea. Wliile coming across, the little vessel had a narrow escape
from being wrecked in a thick fog which hung over Bocky Point in the Boscell
Channel.
"The 'John and Winthrope' with the only colored captain on the Pacific Coast
in command, left here in February and while in the Okhotsk Sea, secured four whales.
The voyage back was begun October 18. When in latitude 8 degrees north and longitude
168 degrees east, a terrible typhoon swept down on the vessel. All sail was taken down
at the first indication of the approach of dirty weather and the tjrpboon caught the
whaler under bare poles.* **The diip was laden down and all hands, as far as possible,
remained below. The wind and sea increased in fury, smashed the davits and carried
away one of the boats besides sweeping everything off the deck. For thirty long hours
the tempest lasted, during which time no one on board ate nor slept. The man at the
wheel when the storm was at its height was blown against the bulwarks and severely
bruised and shaken.
"Another and more fierce typhoon caught the whaler on November 11. The wind,
which blew with tremendous velocity, carried away all the sails. Hugh seas swept the
decks as one mighty comber carried away two more of the boats from the starboard
davits. The davits themselves were shattered, as was likewise the raft. The storm
lasted forty-eight hours.** *Many of those on board who had many years' experience
say that never in their time had they seen such frightful weather.
"When near the Boscell channel, the 'John and Winthrope' ran into a thick fog
and, when it lifted, she was only twenty feet off the rocks. The men on board say that
nothing but Captain Shorey's coolness and clever seamanship saved the vessel. The
'John and Winthrope' visited the wreck of the 'Carrie and Aim' and brought down her
cargo of bones. The vessel brought two hundred barrels of oil and 2,500 pounds of
bones. ' '
In conversing with Captain Shorey concerning his life and success in following the
sea, the writer was impressed with his high ideals as to right and wrong. He was
reared an Episcopalian and is an active member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, Golden GMe
No. 2007, also the Foresters No. 1704 and was Past Grand Master of Council 54, Patriots
93. He is on the Advisory Board of the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People
located at Beulah, near Oakland, California. He was master of sailing-vessels from
1887 to 1909 and at the present time holds a license to man a vessel of unlunited tonnage
for sailing- or steamship in any ocean. He has retired from the sea and holds a position
as special police oflcer for the Pacific Coast Steamship Company.
The wonderful success of many of Captain Shorey's trips was in a measure due to
his happy marriage, and, unlike other sea-captains, he often was accompanied by his
wife and daughter. Mrs. Shorey has a wonderful, calm personality and the following
account as quoted from a San Francisco paper will show that often "Love guided the
wheel" while Captain Shorey mastered the vessel: "With Baby Shorey at the wheel.
Commanded by Baby Shorey and the baby's father, Captain Shorey, the whaling bark
'Andrew Hicks' came down from the north this morning. She is the third vessel to
return from the Arctic cruising this year. The baby and the whaler have been at sea
since February, most of the time in Okhotsk waters. The baby is only three years old
and it is considered creditable to so young a navigator that she and her father steered
their bark further to the north than any other whaler ventured this year. Victoria is
the name of the three-year-old child that has been engaged in hunting whales all summer
while most other children have been engaged in less venturesome occupation.
"In an ice-drift off the coast of Siberia trouble was picked up.**** On a wild, stormy
night we were driven into an ice-drift at Shanter Bay, and when daylight came we
found ourselves caught by ice on every side,' said Captain Shorey today, using the
plural pronoun with evident reference to himself and the baby. 'There was nothing
in the world we could do but wait for the ice-fields to break up, and for eight days
we lay wedged in the drift while the tides carried us back and forth, ever threatening
to carry us on rocks or dash us on the shore.' This did not alarm the baby. Finally
the ice was carried out to the open sea and the drift released the whaler.* **During all
the cruises of the whaler, Baby Shorey and the captain were accompanied by Mrs.
Digitized by 'KJKJK.jptlK.
OP CALIFORNIA 127
Shorey. 'Victoria is a remarkable sailor/ said the mother. 'She knows all the ropes^
and has perfect command of her father.' "
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Mitchel were natives of Virginia and relatives of Mrs.
Bebecca Averett and Mrs. Ford, well-known citizens of OaUand. Mr. Mitchel was the
oldest of the three and was their mnch-loved brother. It was on account of his living
in. California that they moved to the State. Mr. Mitchel 's life is most interesting, be-
eanse, while he accumulated thousands of dollars * worth of property during his residence
in California, he also had the distinction of having been one of the few slaves, who,
daring their bondage, purchased property. This was an unusual occurrence, because the
majority of them first desired their freedom and did all they could in hiring out their
time to earn a little to apply to theiii manumission papers. Mr. Mitchel was bom a
slave in Halifax County, Virginia, and, when two years old, was sold from his parents
and carried into Bichmond, Va., where he remained until manhood. It was then that his
thrift enabled him to buy property through the acquaintance of a charitable white lady,
whose advice he followed. Evidently she realized that emancipation would some day
come and this Negro would have a home to begin with. The laws of the country cUd
not permit slaves to own property. She was honest and purchased it for him and held the
same in her name until after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation.
She then deeded it to the rightful owner, Mr. George MitcheL The property cost a small
fortune. Mr. Mitchel paid $2,300 for a lot and $3,000 for a house and lot, but it was
paid in Confederate money, which was not worth its face value.
After paying the purchase price for these two pieces of property the great desire
came over Mr. Mitchel to become a free man, and somehow he made the acquaintance
of a member of the "Underground Railroad" who assisted him, in 1862, to make his
escape to Culpeper Court House Va„ where the Union Army was stationed. After
answering many questions, he was given a position in the War Department, being
accepted as steward on the Government steamship "Bussia" that was engaged in taking
the Government oficials to Savannah, Ga., and to Charleston, S. C, to look after the
cotton that had been taken from the rebels and stored in these towns. This voyage was
so important that it was made with many cabinet offtcials such as Secretaries WeUs and
Stanton; Generals Sherman and Dodge, and also Senator CSiandler.
After the close of the war Mr. Mitchel returned to Bichmond, Va., and married
Miss Mary Parsons, who had also been a slave. This union was blessed by the birth
of one son who was named for the father, George (junior). Mr. and Mrs. Mitchel were
both thrifty and desirous of advancing in life. They never allowed a chance to escape
whereby they could better their condition. This led to their accepting an opportunity
to come with the crew that opened the Palace Hotel in San Francisco in 1875. In this
hotel Mr. Mitchel was given the position of bellman for the first floor. The tips alone
for this position in those days were worth while. This enabled Mr. Mitchel, in a few
years, to purchase property in San Francisco and Oakland. He retained this position
for twenty-five years, when he was offered a better position in the mint, located in San
Fancisco during President Harrison's administration. He retained this position during
this Bepublican administration, but with a change of parties he was removed and again
went to work for the Palace Hotel proprietors, as head bellman. He retained this
position until the house changed to a Caucausian crew. Mr. Mitchel was then employed
by the State Board and Harbor Commissioners for eight years, resigning owing to
failing health.
During his long years of residence in San Francisco, he purchased many pieces
of property, one was within a block of the Fairmont Hotel. He owned a two-story house
at 2583 Sutter street; one at 292 Second Ave., another at 1665 10th street and 1022
Twenty-fourth street, comer of Linden in Oakland. Mr. Mitchel was a great lodge man,
being a High Mason and serving as treasurer of his lodge for twenty-four years. He
was Past Eminent Commander of Saint Bernard Commandery, having been in the
Masonic Lodge in good standing for forty-five years. He was also a member of the
Omega Chapter of Boyal Arch Masons. He was reputed to be worth, at his death,
between thirty and forty thousand dollars. He was practicaUy a pioneer in the purchase
of property for the Northern part of the State. He and his estimable wife enjoyed
the confidence and respect of the community. He was ill for three years and passed
away, leaving to mourn his passing his wife, one son and two sisters.
Mr. Alexander Averett, a distinguished citizen of Oakland, California, the subject
of this sketch, is one of the pioneer citizens of the San Francisco Bay district of Northern
California. He came to San Francisco from Virginia with his wife, Mrs. Bebecca
Averett, over thirty years ago. He readily secured employment and with little inter-
ruption has been steadily employed ever since. Digitized by V3^v/gi^
128 THE NEORO TRAIL BLAZERS
Through hiB indnstiy and eeonoHij he has aeenimilated eonaiderabla property.
Previous to the great fire of 1906, he resided in San Franeiseo where he was identified
with the Odd Fellows and other organisations of help and uplift to the race. He was
the prime mover in the organisation of a Building and Loan Association among the
colored citizens of San Fruieiseo, the object of which was to encourage the Negro
renters to acquire homes. Since moving to Oakland, Mr. Averett still retains hia
interest in the lodge and other organizations in San Fiancisco.
Mr. Averetty after moving to Oakland, became interested in the North Oakland
Baptist Church, which was established by the late Richard Olark. He can be considered
a pillar of this church, where he is untiring in fulfilling his duties as an honored and
trusted officer. He is an intense race man and the weather is never too inclement for
him to go either to his church or to any meeting which has for it^ object the uplift
of the Negro race. Would that the race had a few more such conscientious workers!
He and his wife are highly respected citizens, both among their own race and with the
best white citizens of the Bay cities.
The Honorable Beverly A. Johnson was bom of free parents in Washington, D. C.
He has the distinction of having attended both the inauguration and the funeral of the
martyred President Abraham Lincoln. He came to California in 1868 via the Straits of
Magellan. He has lived in California ever since, q>ending his first four years on a
ranch in Placer County, and the remainder of the time in Sacramento where he has
lived an intensely active life for the best interest of the race. Mr. Johnson married,
in 1870, the daughter of William and Hester Sanders, who came to California in 1857
from New Bedford, Mass., via the Isthmus of Panama. The union was blessed by the
birth of three daughters and one son to all of whom he has given the best education
obtainable in California, his son, Mr. Earnest Johnson, graduating with the pioneer class
of Leland Stanford Junior College, of Palo Alto, California. During his college days he
was active and prominent with the student-body and on the editorial staff of the student
paper. He also assisted in setting the type and editing the same. He graduated with
honors, majoring in law.
Mr. Johnson's daughters have all graduated with honor from the public schools of
Sacramento and were among .the first to enter the high school of that city. Mrs. Harper
since has graduated with honor as a trained nurse from one of the training schools of
that city, the first of the race to receive this distinction. Mrs. McCard is an excellent
scholar and a delightful lady as was Mrs. Butler, now deceased. A son of Mrs. McCard
at this writing is attending the University of California in Berkeley. Mr. Beverly A«
Johnson is a thorough race man and did much in the fight for equal school privileges for
the Negro children of California. He spent both time and money first in making a fi^t
in Sacramento for this just privilege and then he joined hands with the men in sian
Francisco Bay district who finally carried their fight to the highest court of the State
where they won a favorable verdict. A finer Negro gentleman and truer race advocate
for equal citizenship does not live on this plane of human existence. He is an active
member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and will
come from Sacramento, which is something less than a hundred miles from Oakland, to
attend the executive Board meeting, or any public meeting that will aid in stimulating
interest in the affairs of the Bace. He is an active member of several fraternal lodges
in the State, in many of which he has the distinction of being a charter member. He is
a devoted Episcopalian, thoroughly reliable and has done much for this Church.
He is the best-informed man living today concerning the struggles of the Negro in
California. It was through the Bev. Father Wallace that the writer had the privilesre
of meeting this delightful gentleman many years ago, while securing data for this book.
His review of the history and struggles of the Negro in Cidif ornia was very valuable in
after years when the creative work of the book was begun. Would that Calif omia and
the Negro race throughout America and the entire world had just a few more such men I
But, alas, he belongs to the Fred Douglass, Bishop Amett. and Bishop T. M. D. Ward age
of grand men who were great warriors in the cause of tne race; men with sterling per-
sonality and executive ability.
Mr. James E. Grasses, coming to Califomia in 1868 from New York City, was a
splendidly educated gentleman and readily found employment as clerk with a n»»"^«g
company. He was for a number of years with Ha^;gins and Travis, Capitalists, after
which he was employed as Secretary to Judge Hastings and Judge Lake. He went to
Virginia City as secretary and time keeper of the Jestice Mining Company. This mine
was near the Mackey, Flood,Fair and O'Brien Mine.
Mr. Grasses in after years was employed as deputy county assessor and tax collector
of Alameda County, Califomia, for a great many years and died at his desk. He was a
devoted husband and a delightful Christian gentleman. He left to mourn his passing
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OP CALIFORNIA
129
MRS. KATE BRADLEY-STOVALrL (deceased)
Founder of the Southern California Alumni for the Colored.
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130
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
MRS. EVA CARTER-BUCKNER
Poetess.
MRS. BEATRICE SUMNER-THOMPSON
Social and Civic Worker.
MRS. WILLA STEVENS
Modiste.
MRS. ELOISE BIBB-THOMPSON
Author and Writer.
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OP CAUPORNIA 131
im» daughter to whom lie had given a q^^lendid education. She is a clerk in the San
Francisco post ofSice. Mrs. Grasses, the widow's sketch, will be found under "Dis-
tinguished Women."
The Honorable "Wiley Hinds came to California in 1858 and, for a few days, located
in Stockton. He met at this place some white men who were going to take up land in
the San Joaquin Valley and do ranching. They spoke to him concerning accompanying
them, stating that if he wanted to mi^e money and have something when he was a
man, the country would be the place to go. After thinking over the matter for a few
days he decided that he would go and work for them and learn the lay of the land in
GiUif ornia. He saved his money and soon bought a small plot of land and each year
added to his holdings until he felt able to return home and marry. The lady whom he
married was a delightful person and has made him a wonderful housewife. The union
was blessed with a family of children. During their childhood days they lived on the
ranch, the mother teaching them their letters until they were old enough to enter the
public schools in Visalia, which they attended until suficiently advanced to move to
Oakland where the schools were better equipped. In Oakland Mrs. Hinds saw that eJl
of her children were given the best education possible, at the same time making trips
back to the valley to do whatever she could to encourage her husband in Ms great under-
taking. This sustained him until his sons were older and he could call on them to assist
in managing his ranch of several thousand acres. Mr. Hinds, in his day, has employed
many of the colored ranch-holders in Fowler, who owe their success in farming in
California with its scientific irrigation, to the experience they secured from working on
Mr. Hind's ranch. He has thousands of acres which he divided up into ranches some
of which are devoted to the raising of cattle, hogs and poultry. Another portion he has
planted in vines and deciduous fruits, such as peaches, apples and prunes. He still
retains this great ranch at Farmersville, California. One son, Mr. John Thomas Hindq^
has in late years relieved his father of the heavy responsibility of the ranch. A sketch
of one daughter will be found in the "Music" chapter. He has sons who have served
in the Spanish- American War and another who is now serving in the National Army now
in France.
There are a few other Negro people who have large, successful ranches in that
district of whom the people seldom hear. One such ranch is located on an island in
the King's Biver and is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Washington Brunson, who
came to California from Sumpter County, Ga., in 1906. They first located in Los Angeles
where Mr. Brunson engaged in peddling vegetables. When he had a little cash saved,
he bought a ten-acre ranch in King's County, King's river, nine miles from Lamoore
Township, and fifteen miles from Hanf ord. They planted this ranch in garden-truck and,
during fruit season when others were cutting fruit, they were selling their garden-truck.
They had a hard time of the adventure for a season, but were determined to not give up.
The next year they purchased another ilfty-acre plot, and planted it in grain, com and
potatoes. They continued until last year's crop, in June, 1917, they harvested a pros-
perous crop of barley, yielding $3,000 off of thirty-one acres; a crop of Egyptian corn
yielded $2,000 from twenty-one acres. Eight or ten acres planted to potatoes yielded a
good crop. They killed one hog in the f a!u, and after saving enough meat to last them
for two years, they rendered from this same hog ninety pounds of lard. Mr. Brunson
is happily married to Miss Mary Calbert, who is of great assistance to him. He owns
a Buick auto of the latest model, five head of horses and all the latest models of farm
implements. This is a fair example of what many persons of the race are doing all over
CaUfornia.
Mrs. Mary E. Crawford, on the same island as Mr. Brunson, owns a ranch of
forty acres planted to Egyptian corn, grain and potatoes and has always had excellent
crops. This lady makes a specialty of raising poultry for the market. She has a
fainily of five children. One daughter, Mary, has recently graduated from the high
school of Hanford, and another daughter is married to Mr. Welsher, of Hanford,
California.
Mr. Isaac Jackson arrived in California in 1850, locating in Sacramento. Later
he went to the mines until 1853 when he returned to Pittsburg, Penn., staying until
1887, when he returned to El Cajon Valley, San Diego, CaL, where he owned a ranch.
He successfully managed the same for ten years, when he died. He left a wife and
four children who still own the ranch and keep it stocked with cattle and hogs.
Dt, Bumey also owns a ranch near San Diego which yields him a handsome income.
Also John Moore, who came to California in 1850, located in the mountains nearby where
he did successful ranching, as did Shephard Waters, who came in 1850, from Pennsylvania
and did successful ranching in San Diego County.
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132 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Mr. Heiuj Hall came to California in 1848 with a half-brother^ riding horseback
all the way from Missouri. He was just a boy of fourteen years and was employed as a
teamster, hauling freight in Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties, where he made his home.
He died, leaving a homestead in northern California, near Stockton. A daughter, Mrs.
Potts, and her husband live on this place and are successful ranchers. She is a devoted
Christian wonum and a great worker for the cause of temperance. At one time she
traveled all over the State and organized societies for the advancement of the cause
of temperance work among the race.
James Monroe Bridges, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Hickory County,
North Carolina, receiving his education in the rural schools. During the summer he
worked in the tobacco factories to help earn a living for the family, since they were
dependent upon the small wages the father was able to earn in that district. He came
to California with his father in 1889, and first located in Fresno and later Bakersfield,
where he was instrumental in organizing the well-known business firm of furniture-
dealers known all over the State as the ''Winters, Bridges and Simpson Furniture
Dealers. ' ' The success of this company has been great. About ten years ago Mr. Bridges
moved to Oakland where he opened a branch store. Later he purchased the Oa^dand
Sunshine, a race paper, published and founded by Mr. John Wilds. Mr. Bridges is an
active lodge num, beloning to the Ancient Order of Foresters and is president of the
Oakland Literary and Aid Society. He also belongs to the Occidental Lodge and the
Grand United Order of Odd Fellows and is one of the promoters of the OakSmd Negro
Business Men's League.
The colored citizens of Pasadena are thrifty and own many beautiful homes. The
writer was greatly surprised to find that a great deal of the landscape gardening has
been done by Negro workmen who still retain their positions. Among the leading and
successful gardeners is Mr. Weatherton, who, after working for one family over thirty
years, has been retired on a pension.
The late Henderson Boon, who for over twenty-five years conducted a blacksmith
shop in Pasadena, was killed a few years ago in an automobile accident. His wife and
son still conduct the business. They own a beautiful home and other properties. A son,
Henderson Boon, is in the employ of the city and a daughter, Mrs. James MUler, has a
daughter who is a great singer and is called the "Canary Mocking-bird of Southern
California. ' '
The Prince Family of Pasadena is another fine family and is interested in every
movement for the best interests of the race. They have lived in that city for over
thirty years. There are three brothers.
Mr. J. W. Oatman, a gardener, owns considerable property which has increased in
value until it is now worth at least ^Ye figures. Also Mr. Bodkyn owns valuable hold-
ings. Mr. Thomas J. Pillow also owns a beautiful home in Pasadena and reared all his
children there previous to moving to Los Angeles. One son learned his trade in Pasadena
in Hodge Brothers' machine shop where at the age of fourteen he made a machine
and gas engine. Mr. Pillow is now demonstrator with the Western Motor Car Company
on Olive street, Los Angeles.
Pasadena is the home of Mrs. Oorrine Hicks and also of Miss Marie Ford whose
families are among the pioneers of this city, which is also the home of Captain BeynoldS)
and many others too numerous to mention but who are good citizens* and race-loving,
enterprising persons. They have several churches, the Friendship Baptist Church
having sent more boys to the front in the first draft than any other church in Southern
California.
Los Angeles, Calitosnia. It will be impossible for the writer in this book to
fully describe the enterprise and thrift of the citizens of this city. They had the first
Fire Department in the United States manned by Negro firemen. At one time they had
two companies. They have many patrolmen, one detective, substantial business enter-
prises and lovely, modern homes. The story of Los Angeles is like the gold thread in
paper money to ensure that it is genuine currency. Thus it is with this city. There is not
a chapter in this book that has not a sketch of one or more citizens of this beautiful city.
They have wonderful apartment houses, modem in every appointment. The first
to build were Mr. and Mrs. Fern Bagland who were followed by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis,
McDowell, Bobinson, Alexander and Chrisman. They have one successful home for
working women, namely ''The Sojourner Truth Home," which was founded through the
influence of the late Mrs. Sessions who has left a lasting memory in the hearts of the
people. There were others who worked for the founding of the Sojourner Truth Club,
namely, Mrs. James Alexander, Mrs. Shackelford and Mrs. Scott. The friends furnished
it free of cost to the dub and the writer, while not a member or even a resident of Los
Angeles, gave a mahogany book-case and writing-desk, together with fifty books by
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OP CALIFORNIA 133
colored authors and many others of value to girls without employment sinee she believes
that a good book is the kindest thing to give to an idle person and is next to work or a
home. There is another institution of great value located in Los Angeles and that is the
Y. M. C. A. which was founded many years ago and has been successfully managed by
that grand gentleman, Mr. T. A. Green, who is a well educated Christian gentieman.
Mr. Green is an Alumnus of Bust University, and, at various times, has held professor-
ships in Bust, Walden, Alcon and the New Orleans Universities. He is an old news-
paper-man, having edited and published The Enterprise in Mississippi and CaUfomia.
Mr. Green is a fine executive and has brought the Y. M. C. A. from nothing to the
present comfortable quarters and, had not the World War drawn the United States
into its meshes, they would have built a large building. Instead they have built a
ground-floor auditorium with all the necessary equipments of a modem Y. M. C. A., with
baths and everything else. Mr. Green is discreet, of high principle, reasonable and a
good man to have as a friend, and every man in the Association feels and knows that
Professor Green has a deep interest in his personal and spiritual welfare.
Mr. Theo. Troy, another highly respected citizen of Los Angeles, comes from the
distinguished and highly respected family of Theodore Troy of Cincinnati, whose father
for a number of years was a messenger in one of the largest banks in that city and
who was one of the founders of the Zion Baptist Church of Cincinnati This son,
Mr. Theo. Troy, was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, graduating from the
old Gains high schooL After graduating he went to Tennessee where he was employed
in the Government service as letter-carrier for a number of years. While living there
he married and decided to come to Los Angeles to live. He did not succeed in getting
anything to do immediately, so he decided to polish shoes for awhile. Later he took
the civil service examination and received an appointment as letter-carrier in the city
of Los Angeles, being the first of the race to receive such an appointment. After filling
this position for a number of years he purchased a comer lot and improved the same.
It is located at San Pedro and East Twelfth streets where he has a residence and a
second-hand furniture store. Mr. Troy in late years has invested successfully in mining
stock. He has a wife and one son whose sketch will be found in the ''Music'' chapter.
The writer is grateful to Mrs. Troy who several years ago furnished her with a copy
of the Los Angeles Times, February 12, 1909, which contained the historical accounts
of the race in that city.
BivntsiDB, Calitornia, a most beautiful city, numbers among its residents some
of the most enterprising colored people in the State. They are not so numerous, but
they have the executive ability to have something. Several years ago they built a
block and opened a dry goods store, grocery and a butcher-shop. These stores occupy
the ground floor and the second floor is given over to an auditorium, or hall, which has
been named ''The Mercantile Hall," the leading citizens of color forming a company
and sharing the expense of this hall.
Mr. Bob Stokes has lived in Biverside for forty year. There are many creditable
citizens living in this city, among whom are the Bev. Frank Cooper, the Bev. Simpson,
Jerry Wiley, Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Stokes and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Gordon.
There is another man in California who has been extremely enterprising and that
is Mr. Winters of Bakersfield, who many years ago built the Winters block, valued
at fifty thousand dollars, and has located in the block, many successful businesses oper-
ated by members of the race. On the second floor is a large hall, which is used for
fraternal organizations.
Mr. Jordan Young came from Columbia, South Carolina, December 21, 1891, locat-
ing at Fowler, California at the suggestion of his sister, Mrs. Julia BelL He passed the
station going to Fresno, which was ten miles away. It cost thirty cents to return to
Fowler and he only had thirty-five, so he walked. He soon secured work and in a few
years sent back for his family which consisted of a wife and seven children. After this
he began to save and buy property. He bought a city block for four hundred dollars,
retaining the same until the town began to grow, when he sold twenty-two lots for
$2,500 and bought eleven more for $700. He then made a vow that none of his children
should marry until they owned a home. At this writing Mr. Young owns a ranch of
160 acres of weU-improved property, aside from valuable city holdings. His daughters,
Mrs. Beuben Wysinger and Mrs. Abemathy, of Bowles, all own viduable holdings as
also does one son. Dr. Benjamin Young, who has graduated from both the University of
California and a University in Chicago, recently locating in Fowler to practice medicine.
Modesto, California, lies midway between Stockton and Fresno. Many of the
old pioneers of the race live there. It is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bishop,
well-educated young people who have made their presence felt in the community witii
all races. Becently Mr. Bishop, who for many years has been steadily employed at ths
134 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
head of the carpet department of a large store ia Modesto, deeided to open a store
of his own, and is doing well.
Mr. and Mrs. Knox are also progressiTe citizens of this town and own consider^
able ranch property. She is a former school teacher and her husband is a retired
Baptist minister.
Mr. Walter Archibald Butler, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Baltimore,
Md., being the youngest and seventh son of the late John and Martha Butler, who
brought him to California in 1878. He attended the pubUc schools of Oakland for ten
years and then entered a large law firm in Ban Francisco to read law. This firm
soon dissolved partnership, and, while waiting to enter another law-office, he accepted
a vacation position in a fire insurance office and has remained there for twenty-eight
years. In addition to holding a position in the office of the Liverpool, London and
Globe Insurance Company, he has conducted a loan and insurance office at 251 Kearny
street. Ban Francisco, for ten years. This office being managed until the date of his
marriage by his future wife. Miss E. Ardella Clayton. In his early manhood Mr.
Butler resolved that the interests of the race could be best cared for by organization.
Therefore, he identified himself with those organizations that to him held out the
brightest future for the race, particularly in which the Caucasian and the Ethiopian
met and fraternized on an equal basis. The doors of that great English fraternal order,
"The Ancient Order of Foresters," were opened to the race about this time and Mr.
Butler became a member and has labored assiduously therein for a quarter of a cen-
tury, receiving all the honors that "Court Bournemouth " could give him. At the
session of the Subsidiary High Court of the A. O. G. held in San Francisco in May,
1918, he was elected to the office of High Court Junior Woodward, thereby becoming
a member of the Executive Council for two years. This is the first time in twenty-five
years that this exalted honor has been conferred on one of the race.
Mr. Butler is also a member of Knarsbourgh Circle, C. O. G. P. N. G. of Occidental
Lodge G. N. O. O. F., Past President of Planet Lodge No. 1, A. B. E., President and one
of the founders of the Northern California Branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People. Secretary and treasurer of the Afro-American Co-
operative Association; secretary and treasurer of the Waiters' Employment Association.
In politics he has long been identified with the Republican Party and at the last State
Convention of the party held in Sacramento, in August, 1918, he was elected a member
of the Bepublican State Central Committee. Mr. Butler was married to Miss E.
Ardelle Clayton, on April 19, 1916, at * ' Wrest-Acre, * ' the home he had built the previous
year. His home-life is ideal and he takes much pleasure in showing his friends his pet
hobbies, to- wit: his gardens and his thoroughbred poultry. For recreation, when time
permits, the Butlers are enthusiastic motorists.
Hon. James M. Alexander. An appreciation, by E. I. Chew, in the June, 1910,
Cactus Magaeine, ''James M. Alexander is a bright example of our young western
manhood and thoroughly typical of whatever is good and admirable among the best
of our race. Of the elements which go to make up a strong, good man he has a fuD
and varied store, being industrious, law-abiding, intelligent, sagacious, whole-souled,
sympathetic, manly and thoroughly honest and courageous. His civic spirit is shown
not only by passively refraining from the infraction of law, but by his active influence
to help his fellow men to a higher plane and there to assume and retain the right atti-
tude toward the law and performance of civic duty. He is the product of our system
of public schools, to which he later added a business course and a law course, broad-
ening his horizon by a systematic study of our best literature. History, as influenced
by great moral and industrial questions; statecraft, to meet and control these issues
to the betterment of the whole people; political parties, as the engines to perform the
tasks as directed by the statesmen — these questions early took hold of him. To them
he gave much study and thought. They made him a republican. They strengthened
his love for his race and indicated his duty to him. The growth of the scope and power
of the organization of which he is the head is the outcome of his meditation and reveals
his sagacity.
"If he were not chock-full of whole-souled human sympathy he could not attract
to him so many men of diverse character and rivet them to him with fetters strong
as steel. The trouble, whether whipped by adverse fortune or pa3ring penalty of indis-
cretion, vice or sin, have in him a sympathizer and willing helper to secure for the
one consolation, for the other, a chance for reformation and rehabilitation. Mr. Alex-
ander is a ma^ly man, lives a clean, home-centered life. Frivolous, boyish, foolish,
questionable actions, speeches, assumptions, ambitions and ideas never come from him;
they are not in him. Grave yet simple, sincere and kindly in mannerjnd ^ech, his
OP CALIFORNIA 135
eharaeter gives added foree to what he says and does. YOn iastinetively acknowledge
when you come into his presence, 'This is a Man.'
"That element which more than any other has contribnted to the wonderful growth
of the Afro-American Council in this State, is the x>ersonality of Mr. Alexander, its
head. That elonent in his character which appeals most to the people is his unswerring
and inflexible honesty; yon can always know where to find him, for he is never on the
fence. The goddess of his early boyish love is the divinity of his ripened manhood.
The recognition given him by the Chief Executive of the Nation in placing Mr.
Alexander among her financial agents was well bestowed and well deserved. His posi-
tion is and will continue to be well-filled. It is a great inspiration to any boy to look
at the life and character of Mr. Alexander and realise that it is in his power to do as
well. Mind has no color. That honor, integrity, high principle and dean-living are
the inalienable right and privilege of every American. The color of skin nor texture
of hair must not count, and, if we are true to ourselves, shall not mean inferiority in
intellect, conscientiousness, sense of responsibility or possibility of achievement. Un-
questionably he is one of the foremost Negroes of the West. ' '
"Mr. Cyrus Vena was bom in North Middleton, Kentucky, April 4, 1829. He was
married to Sarah J. Wemell in 1849; moved to Xenia, Ohio, in 1851, taking an active
part in every movement for the uplift and encouragement of the Negro race. The
union was blessed by the birth of seven children, five girls and two boys, only two of
whom are now living, James M. and Miss Sing A. Vena. They are residents of Los
Angeles. The son for a number of years has been employed as a clerk in the city
post office. Mr. Vena was distinguished while a resident of Xenia, Ohio, by being
elected for two different terms as a member of the City Council and the Board of
Equalization. He was also a member of the board of trustees of Wilberf orce University.
Mr. Vena was a contractor and builder hj trade. During his residence in Ohio he
contracted for and built many notable buildings at Wilberf orce and Xenia. He erected
many handsome residences for distinguished persons in the race, namely. Bishops Payne,
Shorter, and Arnett; also the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home, located at Xenia.
Mr. Vena and his family moved to Los Angeles over thirty years ago, and he
immediately identified himself with all the activities of value to the race. He joined
the historic Eighth and Towne Church, which at the time was located on Azusa street.
Shortly after coming to Los Angeles he and his wife celebrated their golden wedding,
and less than three months afterward Mrs. Vena passed to her reward."
Since the above data was given the writer, several years ago, by the son of the
subject, Father Vena has passed to his reward. He was employed for thirty years as
head janitor of the Hall of Becords in Los Angeles, and at his passing, which occurred
Monday evening, September 23, 1918, the flag of the City Hall was kept at half mast
until after his funeral. The Board of Public Works and the City Council adopted
resolutions of respect. The California Eagle, in speaking of the funeral, said: "Father
Cyrus Vena, at a ripe old age, crosses the divide. No prince or potentate ever received
greater homage than was the lot of Father Vena, over whose body the last sad rites
were held on last Thursday at Eighth and Towne Avenue A. M. E. Church. The large
edifice was filled to pay their last respects to the memory of this venerable patriarch.
The city officials and the Mayor, represented by his secretary, were at the funeral.
Father Vena was ninety years old at his passing and had been a member of the A. M. E.
Church for sixty years."
Mr. David Cunningham, the subject of this sketch, was the first colored bricklayer
to work on any important building in the City of Los Angeles. He assisted in the
construction of the Douglass and Stimpson blocks. Later, as a contractor, he erected
Bekin's warehouse and the East side cannery, and many others. Mr. Cunningham
married the daughter of Mrs. Harney, who is the widow of the pioneer Sheriff of Hinds
County, Jackson, Mississippi. The union was blessed by the birth of several children,
to all of whom they gave the best education California aiTorded. Since then the chil-
dren have honored their parents and the race by filling places of responsibility and
dignity. Their daughter. Miss Mamie, who recently married Lieutenant Joumer White,
was employed, previous to her marriage as clerk in the main Los Angeles postoffice.
She was very popular socially. During spare time she assisted in editing The New Age,
a splendid race paper published in Los Angeles. A son, Harvey, is with the Los
Angeles Trust and Savings Company of that city. David, another son, is employed by
the Don Lee Automobile Company as a mechanic; Lawrence, another son, is special
messenger of the United States mail from the main postoffice of the City of Los Angeles,
OaUfomia; Miss Edna is a student at the JefTerson High School, and Master Bussell is
a student at the Fourteenth Street Intermediate. Mrs. Cunningham-Slaten is one of
the distinguished women of Los Angeles, an active worker of the Sojoumer-TrutMHob,
136 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
and a member of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Welfare Commission. She is kind and a
sineere co-worker in every movement for the betterment of the raee.
Mr. Louis M. Blodgett, the sabjeet of this sketeh, is the son of Albert and Amiinda
Blodgett, of Angosta, Georgia. He was educated at Miss Laney's school, in his home
town. Among other things, he learned the trade of tile-setting and brick mason. He
was at one time secretary of the Bricklayers' Union of Augusta, Georgia, and was
elected by them as a delegate to the convention of Bricklayers' Union which met at
Trenton, New Jersey. He came to Los Angeles with his brothers about thirteen years
ago. They found the prejudices so great that in order to get work they were compelled
to do their own contracting, which they were competent to do, thereby giving work to
many Negro workmen. Later, Mr. Louis Blodgett decided to not have any partners,
but continued to do contract work. By careful attention to business, he has buUt up a
business that has enabled him to have a weekly payroll of from $500 to $1,800, an
amount sufficient to insure that he employs a large force of Negro mechanics, brick-
layers and other workmen, thus opening a door for our men who hitherto were unable
to secure employment at their trade on buildings. Mr. Blodgett is busy the year
round. During the past winter he built a large hotel in Brawley, in the Lnx>erial Valley
of Southern California.
Mr. Louis M. Blodgett is a member of the Contractors' Association of Los Angeles.
He is on the board of directors of the People 's Realty Company. He has acquired much
valuable property, including his own modem home on Dewy avenue, Los Ajigeles. He
married Miss Nella AUensworth, the daughter of the late Colonel Allensworth. The
union has been blessed by the birth of two children, Allensworth J. and Josephine L.
Blodgett. Would that the race had a few more such men who were capable of and
would open the door of opportunity for the workmen of our race!
Mr. and Mrs. Hal Pierson and Mrs. Ellen Jacobs, coming to California from Ten-
nessee in 1845, located in Vallejo. Mr. Pierson, working in the Navy Yards at Mare
Island, learned the trade of building light houses, and afterward moved to San Fran-
cisco, where he owned stock in the California street railroad. There were several
children to bless the union. They were educated in the public schools of San Francisco.
Their names are Alonza, who for twenty years was employed in the custom house, in
San Francisco; Thomas Pierson, who was admitted to practice afl) an attorney at law
in Chicago; Mrs. Henry Weimer, a successful cateress at Pasadena, and Mrs. Cassandra
Louise Jacobs, a great songstress of San Francisco. Her husband, Nathaniel Jacobs, is
a chauifeur and mechanic in San Francisco, California.
Hon. T. B. Morton was a great race man and a leader among the people. He was
employed as a messenger to District Judge Morrow, of San Francisco, and was a dis-
tinguished member of the Afro-American League and many other helpful organizations
in San Francisco and throughout the State of California. He has left a memory well
worthy to inspire others in an eifort to assist the race in sincerity.
Mr. Abraham Butler Brown and wife, Mary Bobinson-Brown, came to California,
from Philadelphia, Pa., in 1852. They were blessed with two children, Mary and Julia,
who were native daughters of California. Miss Julia became the wife of Mr. William
Nell Saunderson and Miss Mary became the wife of Mr. Morey, a successful business
man of Oakland. She was for years, the Treasurer and earnest worker of the Home for
Aged and Lifirm Colored People at Beulah, Cal.
Mr. A. J. Jones came to California over thirty years ago from Emporia, Kansas.
He located in Los Angeles and built the first hotel owned by colored people in that
city. It was located at 109 San Pedro street. This section of the street at this writing
is called Wilmington. Mr. Jones made a specialty of hot biscuits and was always weU
patronized by the tourist trade. He was more than successful and about ten years ago
retired to enjoy a well-earned rest. He has reared several orphan children and has
done other good charitable work throughout Los Angeles. Mr. Jones was for thirty-
five years a member of the Christian Church, but after the organization of the People's
Independent Church of Christ he became identified with it and is a Deacon of the
Seventh District. He is a member of the Y. M. C. A. and a charter member of the
Men's Forum. About ten years ago he married Mrs. Billingsley and they are very
happy and vitally interested in all movements that have for their aim the advancement
of the race. They are both active members of the Ohio State Club.
Mr. Bichard H. Dunston, the owner of the Los Angeles Truck and Storage Co.,
has lived in Los Angeles over thirty years. He has been in this business over twenty-
five years, building, in 1905, his first warehouse, which covers one hundred feet by one
hundred and twenty feet and is two stories high. He owns seven vans and six open
wagons which he uses in moving, packing and shipping f u^|^^^ ^^ji^^l^m this he
OP CALIPOENIA 137
alBO owns his residenee, his bam, and several other yalnable pieees of property. He
and his wife are highly respected citizens of the city of Los Angeles.
Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Bhaekelford, who own the Canadian store of new and second-
hand fomiture, have been in business about fifteen years, starting with comparatively
nothing. She clerked while Mr. Shackelford delivered the goo& to customers on a
bicycle. They were determined to make a saecess and at this writing they own their
own delivery-wagons and have a store valued at ten thousand dollfurs, besides their
own seven-passenger touring car and other valuable proi>erty. Mrs. Shackelford is a
prominent club worker and has done much for the success of the building of Sojoumer-
Truth Home. She was an enthusiastic worker and furnished a beautiful room in this
home when completed. She stands for all that is good and dean in advancing the race.
She is a devoted worker in visiting the sick and needy and is practical and reliable,
without pomp or self praise. She is one of the pillars of the Indei>endent Ohurch of
Christ, and the head of the deaconess board, a delightful Christian lady who is well
known and highly respected. Mr. Shackelford is an officer of the same church and a
good conscientious Christian gentleman, a graduate of Coming Academy and Simpson
College.
Mr. Andrew J. Boberts came to Los Angeles, California, from Chillicotha, Ohio,
over thirty years ago. He was accompanied to the coast by Mr. Dunston and they
together organized the Los Angeles Van, Truck and Storage Company. Several years
afterward they built or had buSt two of the largest vans in the city.
After fourteen years Mr. Boberts, finding the work did not agree with his health,
resigned from the business and later opened the Boberts Undertaking establishment.
This is the pioneer establishment in the State. Mr. Boberts has been very successful
and is assisted in the business by his sons, Frederick Madison and William G. Boberts,
the latter being the business manager of the firm. About two years ago Mr. Boberts,
together with his sons, built a modem block for the housing of the undertaking estab-
lidmient and also the New Age, a race paper owned and published by his son, Hon.
Frederick Madison Boberts. This is the most up-to-date building of its kind owned by
colored people in the State of California. The second floor is used for an auditorium
and has perfect acoustics and will seat fully five hundred persons. Mr. Andrew J,
Boberts has been most fortunate in having a family of sons who have worked for
and with him in building up a good business in both the undertaking business and
the race paper. This has enabled him to invest money in land, both in the San
Joaquin Valley, where he owns eighty acres, and in Lower California. His son-in-law,
Mr. Izan E. Saunders, is an expert embalmer, and, aside from caring for all his father's
business, does much work in that line for the Japanese undertakers of Los Angeles.
His wife, Mrs. Myrtle Estelle Boberts-Saunders, is a great musician and a joy to her
family and f riendsr
Mr. John Wesley Coleman, the distinguished and well-known real estate and em-
ployment agent of Los Angeles, was bom at Columbus, Texas, March 12, 1865. He is
the son of Sam and Mattie (Green) Coleman and was educated in the TiUeston Institute
of Austin, Texas, graduating in 1884. He married Miss Lydia Lee of Austin, Texas,
in 1885. The union has been blessed by four children. Mr. Coleman was active in
church and Sunday school work in Texas until 1887 when he moved to Los Angeles, CaL
Since locating in that city, he has distinguished himself by becoming an active member
of the Texas State club, the Y. M. C. A., the Forum, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias
and is a thirty-third degree Mason. When first locating in Los Angeles he f oUowed
landscape gardening and contracting, later serving the Pullman Company for twelve
years, after which time he was proprietor of Hotel Coleman for five years. He has
served as deputy constable of Los Angeles County and township for the past fifteen
years.
Mr. Coleman is reliable and highly-respected by all citizens of the State. Because
of this he was employed to travel throughout the State in advertising and developing the
cities of Venice and Santa Monica Bay district. After two years he accepted the
position as assistant superintendent of Dr. Burner's chain of sanitariums located
throughout the State. Mr. Coleman has successfully conducted in Los Angeles a reid
estate and employment agency for the past twelve years, during which time he has
placed in good positions in the State and elsewhere over twenty-five thousand colored
people. He is noted for his kindness to the needy and distressed. He is public spirited
and was selected to make the presentation speech when the Second Negro Drafted
boys gave an American flag to the People's Independent Church of Christ of XiOS
Angeles. He is an active member of the Forum Club of Los Angeles, and his name
has been mentioned for the presidency of that well-established cjfft^^ed bv V3*^\./vlk.
J y Q
188 THE NBQEO TRAIL BLAZERS
In speaking of the Fonim, the following by Theodore W. Troj, is qnoted from the
Loa Angeles Timm under date of Febroarj 18, 1909: '^This large bodj was organliad
Februarj 1, 1903, at the First African Methodist Church for the purpose of encouraging
united effort on the part of Negroes for their advancement and to strengthen than along
lines of moral, social, intellectual, financial and Christian ethics. Any man or woman
of good character is eligible to membership and no fees are charged. Its meetings
are held every Sunday afternoon at four o'clock at the Odd Fellows' Hall, eomer
Eighth and Wall streets, and the public is always welcome. Thus the humblest citizen
has access to those meetings and can state his grievance before this body. The follow-
ing are its recently-elected oficers: president, Thomas A. Cole; vice-president, Morgan
T. White; recordii^^ secretary, Harvey Bruce; corresponding secretary, J. L. Edmonds;
treasurer, J. Edwin Hill; critic, Mrs. Eva Queen.
''In our work along moral lines the permanent issue has been the suppression of
the vicious element. To this end we have worked in harmony with the pulpit, the
press, the Chief of Police and especially with our Negro otiicers, for the closing of
dens of vice. The Forum has, from time to time, appointed committees on strangers
to keep new-comers to our city in the proper channel for its moral uplift. These
strangers are introduced to the Forum and a chance given them to meet the best class
of our race and become useful members of society. We believe in the Good Samaritan
principle of life and hope to win into our ranks every good citizen. Our organization
teaches race-love, race-pride and declares a good character to be the highest social
credential. It looks with pride upon those who are smilingly taking up the responsibili-
ties of life in helping to uplift our race and only asks those who are dodging these
responsibilities not to be stumbling-blocks to us.
"The intellectual food for the Forum is derived from the various lectures and
papers read from time to time by some of America's brainiest thinkers and scholars.
The current topics clipped from the daily papers are read and discussed at our meet-
ings. These discussions form one of the most instructive and entertaining features
of our organisuttion. Financially the Forum takes the position of a philanthropist.
All of its monies except the actual current expenses are given to charity. To its mem-
bers it especially advises the utmost frugality and warns them that the price of land in
this vicinity now within reach of the ordinary laborer will not always remain so. It
strongly advocates the purchase now of real estate in this section. There is nothing in
the solid financial world offering greater inducements to small investors. The Forum
was instrumental in the settling of a small colony on government land in San Bernardino
County, California, near Victorville.***
''From the civic standpoint the Forum declares for the majesty of the law and
advocates its respect. A knowledge of the supremacy of the law and of the justice
of the judiciary of this fair land has in the greatest measure led to our presence here.
The Forum stamped its approval on President Boosevelt's 'Door of Hope,' 'The Square
Deal' and 'All Men Up.' It declares Booker T. Washington our greatest benefactor
and insists that we can only rise in proportion as we are useful in our respective com-
munities. It advises its members to conduct themselves in such a manner as to win
the respect of the x>oople of their communities and thereby to create favorable race
sentiment.
"The Forum does not regard the giving of menial positions the fulfillment of
patronage due Negro tax-payers. We beUeve the governing powers of this city should
take the lead in fairly treating Negro citizens. In the ethics of Christianity, the
Forum, bom as it was under the shadow of God's altar, can only point to Christ as
the exemplary life. It classes the church as the highest institution.
"The Forum has met every deserving appeal for charity with a substantial dona-
tion. Among its beneficiaries might be named the San Francisco earthquake sufferers,
the Atlanta riots sufferers, the Terence Crittenden Home, the Helping Hand Society,
The Sheltering Arms Home, the Day Nursery and many deserving individuals.* **It has
always worked in harmony with the Church and has been especially active in work wi^
the colored Y, M. C. A."
The Forum has educated the first colored lady doctor on the Pacific Coast in the
person of Dr. Buth J. Temple of Los Angeles. It has also contributed to scholarships
for many others studying in the East for law and other professions. The writer regards
it as one of the greatest clubs since "The Underground Bailroad" because of its
actual help to individuals and the community.
Mrs. Lucy Caulwell-Disard arrived in San Francisco, California, in 1855, coming from
Bowling Cheen, Kentucky, with her parents, Isaac and Maria Caulwell, together with her
sister, Margret, and brothers, Charles and Zackariah. The father, as a boy, was pur-
chased his freedom by his mother (who was also a slave) and sent to New York to be
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OP CALIFOENIA 139
educated; instead he shipped m a cabin boy on the first ship leaving for Africa. The ship
'was wrecked and he was the only snrviyor. He was held as a captive for five years by
tlie natives, during which time he learned five different lingoes. He arrived in Africa in
1820, and after five years made his escape and reached Liberia, Africa, where he met
President Boberts, who was the first President of the Bepnblic of Liberia. Mr. Caolwell
Temained in Africa three additional years. He took up considerable land in Africa and
a town located forty miles from Liberia was named after him. In time he returned to
"New York and to his home at Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he married Miss Maria
Bamett. He then decided to go to California i^d engage in placer mining and earn
enough to take his family to Africa. "When he returned to his home in Kentucl^ he found
that his wife's health was very poor, and for fear that she could not stand the trip he
changed his plans, and, instead, moved to California. He reached Kentucky on his return
trip in 1853, and returned to California by ox team in 1855. The family for a while lived
on Leidsdorff street, San Francisco, afterward moving to Sacramento, California.
In two years he returned to Kentucky and brought to California his mother, Mrs.
Liucy Titus, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Sophia Bamett, and also his sister, Sophia Schofield.
Ihiring the flood of 1861 in Sacramento the family lost everything th^ had, and was com-
X>elled to step from the second-story window into a boat to save their lives. Th^ finally
reached San Francisco where they afterwards lived.
Mr. Caulwell gave his children the best education possible, one daughter, Lucy, grad-
mting at the head of her class, receiving a silver medal. In after years she married
Mr. Luther Disard, who had come to California in 1863 from Topeka, E^ansas, with a
company of soldiers as far as Idaho, and thence across the plains into Calif omia. The
onion was blessed by the birth of ten children, eight of whom are still living. They were
^vsn a thorough education in the public schools of Oakland. The daughters were musical
and one son was for a number of years book-keeper for the San Francisco Jockey Club.
Mrs. Lucy Caulwell-Disard is a prominent church and club worker in Oakland, a beautiful
Christian lady with a winsome personality.
Mr. Louis G. Bobinson came to California in January, 1904, from Bamsville, (Georgia.
He was in the senior class in Payne Theological School, Augusta, Ga., when he decided
to leave for California. Upon his arrival he located in Pasadena, where he was one of
the founders of Scott Chapel (M. E.) and served as pastor for three successive terms.
Liater he served as porter in the Pasadena Hospital. In 1907 he moved to Los Angeles,
where he was appointed as janitor for Los Angeles County buildings and in 1912 was
appointed by the Supervisors Chief Janitor and Custodian of the County Buildings, having
under his immediate supervision fifty-five men and one woman. He employs many colored
men. This is the first time the position has been held by a colored man. Mr. Bobinson
has on his force two white men who were chief janitors prior to his appointment and
irho highly respect him. Mr. Bobinson has been entrusted to the supervision of all the
County sales under $50. He is a thorough race man and well respected by all citixens.
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CHAPTER Xni
Just Calepornia
JUST OALIPOBNIA.
'Twixt the sea and the deserts,
'Twixt the wastes and the waves,
Between the sands of buried lands
And oeean's coral eaves,
It lies not East nor West
But like a scroll unfurled,
Where the hand of God hath hung it,
Down the middle of the world.
It lies where God hath spread it,
In the gladness of His eyes,
Like a flame of jeweled tapestry
Beneath the shining skies;
With the green of woven meadows
And the hiUs in golden chains,
The light of leaping rivers,
Ajid the flash of poppied plains.
Days rise that gleam in glory.
Days die with sunset's breeze,
While from Cathay that was of old
Sail countless argosies;
Mom breaks again in splendor
O'er the giant, new-bom West,
But of all the lands God fashioned,
'Tis this land is the best.
Just California stretching down
The middle of the world.
The poem above-quoted is from the pen of Mr. John Steven McGroarty and is one
of the most charming ever written concerning California. It is a new world so unlike
any other; its climate is so varied. A stranger coming into the State can hardly believe
the different statements told him concerning its joys and delights. The old residenters
will tell him that immediately after the rainy season, spring in all its beauty without
a pause will greet him. They will also say that the more rain, the greener the grass
and the greater the abundance of fresh vegetables. The stranger will think it unbeliev-
able that the thermometer will register 114 degrees in the San Joaquin Valley during
the months of July and August and yet at night one can sleep under blankets.
People invariably remove to California either for health or business reasons with-
out first finding out the particular part of this far-away western land is best suited
for their interests. It does not require long for one to rest from his trip to the State
and then realize he is far away from old friends. Immediately he lays the state of
his feelings to the weather, forgetting that he should have first found out all about
the climate in that part of the State before coming. No other State in America has
such a variety of climate and business possibilities as this State, yet it is of the great-
est value to learn all the truthfulness concerning both before locating. If people would
only do this, they would not only save themselves the feeling of depression, but often
their success in business would be assured by such knowledge.
The Sacramento Valley lies less than a hundred miles from San Francisco. It is
one of the greatest agricultural belts in the State, producing the finest asparagus in
America. Mi the canned asparagus shipped to the eastern markets is grown in the
Sacramento Valley of California. It is white, large and full and is grown in such
quantities that the poorest family can feast on it for months.
They also raise oranges and lemons in this valley. It used to be considered an
impossibility to raise these fruits outside of Southern California, but, through the
valuable aid furnished by the University of California, oranges are raised and marketed
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OP CALIFORNIA 141
within less than a hundred miles from San Franeiseo. The first Valeneias of the season
are raised and shipped from the Saeramento Valley and bring the highest priee. Thej
are delicious, especially those grown in Pengrin and Orovllle, showing plainly that the
soil of every section of the State is prodnctive. The University of California will
gladly f nmish anyone with an analysis of the ground and will explain just what it will
produce, thereby enabling the farmer to secure the best results.
The first luscious cherries of the season are grown in the Sacramento Valley. The
greatest industry of this valley is the raising of rice. Last year's yield was a million
bushels, not a bad crop for an infant industry. Nearly all kinds of deciduous fruits
are grown in this valley in such quantities that they supply not only the home markets
but are shipped to the eastern markets. Any of the Sacramento Valley ranches can
be reached in less than a day's ride from San Francisco.
The largest city in the valley is Sacramento, which is also the Capital of the State
of California. It is a beautiful city, with well-paved streets, homes and business blocks
planned with the object of adding to the beauty of the city. The shade-trees of the
city are especially attractive, consisting of every variety grown in California. They
are especially beautiful in the Capitol grounds. This city, like Washington, D. C,
radiates from the Capitol grounds and the streets are desi^pmted in the same way —
that is by letters. All the railroads lead to Sacramento which is really the gateway
to the San Joaquin Valley. There is a line of steamers plying on the Sacramento Biver
making trips from San Francisco to Sacramento. Such a trip carries the passenger
through the waters of the San Francisco Bay, the San Pablo and Suisun Bays into
the Sacramento Biver and is often spoken of as equal to a trip in Switzerland or down
the Bhine Biver — ^it is so picturesque. The climate of the Sacramento Valley is very
hot in summer with a refreshing breeze in the evening. They suffer with tule-fogs
during the winter months, fogs which are produced from the tule-lands and invariably
pass down to San Francisco. They are at present working these lands over into profit-
able rice fields, and in other ways and it 10 a possibility that in time these fogs will
disappear.
The San Joaquin Valley is the longest in the State and one of the greatest pro-
ducers of deciduous fruits. It lies between the high Sierras and the Coast Bange.
The climate of California can be divided into Coast and Valley, and while the State
has many picturesque valleys still the climate of them all is about the same.
The climate of this valley is very hot which enables the raisin-growers and dried-
fruit men to supply the markets with the delicious dried fruit and raisins. It is also
a great agricultural belt. The first field of alfalfa in the United States was grown
in this valley. The largest dairy-farms in the State are located in Modesto, from which
city butter was on exhibit at the Panama Pacific International Exposition and can be
bought in any city of the State. Sugar-beets are raised in this valley, especially in
Allensworth. The largest oil fields in the United States are located in and around
Bakersfield.
The charm of this valley is that while it is hot enough to dry thousands of tons of
raisins and other dried fruits, even so in the evenings there is always a refreshing
breeze and one can usually enjoy a refreshing night's sleep. The soil of all California
is watered by irrigation because there is only a rain-fall during the winter months.
The San Joaquin Valley has been blessed with plenty of water through the eternal
snows of the high Sierras. (See under Fresno, Fowler and Bowles, the part colored
people take in living and producing from the soil in this valley especially during the
drying season.)
The Tehachepi range of mountains acts as a gate closing the San Joaquin Valley
against destructive desert sand-storms and winds. It is on this mountain that one
of the greatest feats of civil engineering for railroading has been successfully carried
out. The road loops the loop going to the summit of the mountains and then down
and around finally making a level grade that they found impossible to make in any
other way. The mountain is unattractive in appearance looking much like a large
sand-dune with little vegetation.
Los Angeles County, its climate and beauty is considered one of the most choice
in all of Cidif omia. The climate has a warm, balmy joyousness, giving to the people
living there great business enterprise. Th^ reader will often hear the people living in
other parts of the State say that Los Angeles has a climate too relaxing; it seems to
the writer that if they did not have a relaxing impulse, judging from the heights from
which the city, and county, has reached during the past few years, they would soon
work themselves to death, if we believe the statistics of this wonderful city. The
greatest charm of this city is that the people work in unity. Their one aim is to make
this city the most beautiful, successful, healthful, morally anc^,|ff^g|^tJ|^J%f^Qrld.
142 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
They aim to build th«ir prosperity upon an enduring foundation into the hearts of the
people, which will make it more enduring than stone.
The climate of Los Angeles, during the morning hours, is cool and graduallj grows
warmer until mid-day, when it is quitei hot, and then it again grows cool until it finally
reaches a difference of thirty degrees between night and cUiy. The morning boors
remind one much of Cincinnati, Ohio, which has a high fog* lasting often until nearly
noon, when the sun appears. During the winter season Lm Angeles often has heavy
night fogs lasting until nearly noon the next day. These fogs are just as dangerous
to weak lungs as the Ban Francisco winds and fogs. The person coming to Oalif omia
for his health must always use precaution during the first year's residence in the State,
it matters not what part. He cannot with safety do the things persons who have lived
in the State for a longer period may do. One must become acclimated. He will then
find the climate tne best in the world, with idl the healing properties claimed for it.
There are, of course, some sections better suited for some diseases than others, and one
should be governed by the statement of the doctor consulted. It has always been a
puzzle to persons living in the East to believe that while one can eat luscious, freah
strawberries during the last of December, he can also be reminded that he is not living
in the tropics by a keen frost, and while the frost rarely kills the citrus fruits, stiU
one is conscious of the need of more clothing. The fruit-growers in the southern part
of the State have more to fear from frost than those living around .the San Franciseo
Bay, because it is never hot, and usually cool even in summer. The frost in the southern
part of the State is rarely destructive, but the growers are always on the alert and the
weather bureau sends out reports to the ranchers, who immediately bum their smudge
pots to protect their crops, often burning them for many nights. It requires a whole
year to grow an orange crop; hence the growers, since the destructive frost of 1912,
have a society that studies the weather conditions, and they, too, send out additional
warnings to all members, thereby protecting themselves, since the State laws require
them to allow the fruit to ripen on the trees.
Los Angeles is tropical enough to grow every kind of tree, shrub and flower which
can be raised in anyi other part of the world. It is not an uncommon sight to look
from the street-car window and find that one is passing homes with great hedge fences
of blooming poinsettias and pepper trees with their red berries and lacy foUage. In
the district in which are located the boulevards, beautiful homes and parks, one can
see banana, magnolia, palm and rubber trees. There are few days in the year in
which these districts are not a perfect riot of color with the bloom of beautiful flowers.
The climate of Los Angeles is especially fine for heart and lung trouble, and also
asthma; the weather is just warm and dry enough not to over stimulate the heart.
The only danger to weak lungs is the sand-storms in the winter months, which occur
sometimes once and not more than twice during the season. They are off from the
desert and, aside from being disagreeable, they are also destructive to more than weak
lungs. Had not Los Angeles its periodic winter frost and high sand wind-storms, it
would have no way of purifying its atmosphere of the deadly germs of all kinds brought
into the city through its annual influx of tourist-travel. It has been given as a trutl^ul
record that' the railroads coming into and going out of Los Angeles handle, on an aver-
age, twenty-six thousand persons a day, a good record for one city. Los Angeles, like
San Francisco, has many nearby cities, that are easily reached, where the climate is
different. These cities near Los Angeles are often much easier to reach than one's own
home. The greatest draw-back to the city is its congested street-car service, whereas
San Francisco has excellent street-car service to all parts of its vastly larger city. But
if one is fortunate enough to own an automobile, he will find the finest roads in the
world in beautiful Los Angeles County, California, and they are comparatively dustless.
Pasadena, the home of millionaires, lies just eight miles from Los Angeles. It has
a much different climate. It is warm all during the winter, and in the summer is very
hot. It is a valley with an elevation of one thousand feet, and is near the mountains
of Mount Lowe, Old Baldy and the Casa Yerduga Bange. This gives the atmosphere
of this beautiful city a crispness not found elsewhere, with a temperature reaching the
height it averages. Aside from the beautiful homes of the wealthy, it can boast of
more beautiful homes of the middle-class than any other city in the State, added to the
natural beauty of its location. The climate of Pasadena makes it an excellent place in
which to lose rheumatism, being dry and high and seldom having any kind of fogs.
If the reader would wish a real joyful street-ear trip,/ he can have it by taking a
trolley trip from Los Angeles through Oak Knoll to Pasadena any day in the year.
This trip will lead through winding orange groves, with their fragrance either of
blossoms or the ripe fruit. One feels ^that it is a mountain in a faraway country he is
climbing, the scenery changes so often, and at each bend in the road becomes mord
OP CALIFOBNIA 143
beaatifnl, until finally there comes into view the imposing Huntington hotel which
erowns Oak Knoll like a castle in a faraway land. Then drive or ride on the street-
ears through the town of Pasadena with its broad streets, its shade-trees of palms,
pepper trees and rubber plants, with numerous other tropical shrubbery and flowers,
before beautifully-kept lawns. There is a civic pride running through all the town,
making it a city of beauty and harmony.
The business section has numerous skyscrapers and is bustling with activity, but
always with that idr of noblesse obUgef realiring that one may be a stranger within
the city and that it is the little courtesies extended by every one that makes the city
so del^htful, aside from its wonderful climate and beautiful homes and gardens.
Colorado and Orange Grove avenues are spacious boulevards with tropical trees, flowers
and the palatial homes of the wealthy, with their enchanting Boman and sunken
gardens giving to the eyes of the humblest passer a feeling of harmony, rest and peace.
These places are built so that the general public can enjoy the sight as well as the
owners. This is especially true of Busch's sunken gardens and his rose gardens, which
have been so well described in magazines and pamphlets.
An attempt will be made to describe to the reader the impression of a rose parade
viewed in Pasadena the first day of January. The writer had just arrived from the
East on December the first, and the bloom of the poinsettia in Los Angeles was so
abundant that it did not seem possible anything else could equal its beauty. The
climatic condition in the East on January the first were too fresh in mind to believe
that even California could produce a real flower-parade on that date with anything
else but paper flowers. But when the writer actually saw th6 rose parade with reiS
cut flowers, vehicles covered with violets, horses blanketed with fresh' violets, a four-
in-hand covered with sweet peas, and with each part of the parade displaying an even
more lavish use of actually fresh flowers, and requiring hours to pass a certain point, it
did not seem possible that one could be in America. To the writer's surprise, when
attempting that day to walk to the Busch sunken gardens with a winter coat, she
became exhausted, not from the weight of the coat, but from the climate.
The greatest surprise was when, in after years, the writer was visiting Pasadena
in quest of material for the book concerning the colored residents of the place, she
found that these beautiful gardens, with few exceptions, were the work of Negro land-
scape-gardeners. It was more than interesting to listen to their description of these
grounds twenty-five years ago. These same grounds today are considered the most
picturesque landscape gardens in America, and yet they were the product of Negro
handiwork. Some of these gardeners have now grown to old to work and enjoy a pen-
sion from their former employers.
Biverside, California, lies south of Los Angeles and enjoys a charming climate,
free from fogs or excessive) heat. It is in a great orange belt and is sheltered from
the cold of the ocean by the surrounding mountains, namely Mt. Bubidoux and Old
Baldy. Biverside abounds in tropical vegetation and flowers, with numerous drives and
a profusion of magnolia, pepper and palm trees.
The beautiful Glenwood Mission Inn is located in Biverside, California, with its
beautiful gardens, old Mission settings and Mission relics brought from abroad, together
with its priceless paintings and wonderful pipe-organ located in the chapel, make this
one of the most unique hostelries in all America. It was the proprietor of this hotel
who suggested and encouraged, together with other gentlemen the writing of that
beautiful historical play by Mr. J. S. McGroarty, the "Mission Play." It was also the
proprietor of this hotel, Mr. Frank Miller, who was the father of the idea of holding
sunrise Easter service on Mt. Bubidoux. It waa at one of these services that the Hon.
Henry Van Dyke read his poem, "God of the Open Air," which is characteristic of the
people of all California, who live out-of-doors during the day and sleep out by night.
Bedlands, a beautiful Southern California city, lies at the foot of Old Baldy, or
rather Mt. San Antonio. It is much higher than any of the other California cities,
with a more tropical climate. It would be an excellent place for persons suffering with
lung trouble or asthma. It is a picturesque city and, aside from it9 numerous orange
groves^ it is the home of "Smylie Heights." Mr. Smylie, coming from the EaH in
search of health, finally regained it in Bedlands, and afterward gave to the city a large
mountain acreage which he had beautified with drives and every specie of flowers,
plants and trees. It is one of California's show places. He gave this beautiful park
to the city of Bedlands without money, to be used for the enjoyment of all, perpetually
free, having endowed it and also a large library. Mr. Smylie also owned the hotel and
grounds at Lake Mohonk, New York. "Smylie Heights" overlooks the San Timoteo
Valley, where they successfully raise cotton. ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^. ,, .^ ^ ,^
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144 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
The homes of the wealthy in Bedlands are somewhat similar to those in Santa
Barbara, with large acreage, but the flowers and trees are ten times more tropicaL It
is in Bedlands you see the beautiful Virginia crape myrtle, growing in aU its glory
beside all the tropical trees of the rest, of the world. In the distance one can see the
Arrowhead Hot Springs, with their Indian legends.
San Bernardino is one of the cities which was created as a supply station during
pioneer days. It is a beautiful city, lying very high up in the mountains which sur-
round it with their snowy peaks. This city would be very bad for any one with a weak
heart. The few colored people living there are contented and happy. It is the home
of Mr. and Mrs. Mason Johnson, who are reputed to be worth fifty thousand dollars in
real estate. It is a railroad center, and many colored people find employment in the
Santa Fe shops.
Imperial Valley, California, embracing the towns of Brawley, El Centre and Cal-
ezico, has a climate hot and dry enough to raise cotton for the markets. The first
cantelopes of the season in the United States are grown in this valley. Colored people
live in great numbers in this valley and are producers from the soil. They have their
own churches and schools and apparently are happy and prosperous.
The deserts of California, namely the Mohave and at Victorville, are government
lands, and quite a few colored people have taken up homesteads on this land and are
improving them. Some sections have been found to contain oil. Many of the colored
people have bought this land and afterwards sold it for a good margin.
San Diego, California, the first settlement of civilized men on the Pacific Coast,
contains the first Mission in California, which was established here and was used as
headquarters by Friar Junipero Serraj until after the discovery and return of the party
from San Francisco. Notwithstanding its age and all of the early romance connected
with San Diego, it has been more than slow in developing. It was given its first boom
at the completion^ of the Panama Canal, at which time it was decided to celebrate this
great engineering feat with an exposition. San Diego tried to convince the United
States Congress that it was the logical city to receive the honor, since it would be the
first port of cal^ after the ships leave the Panama canaL They were not succesftful in
winning the honor, but decided that they, too, would hold an exposition, and to that end
enlisted all of the home-loving citizens of wealth to join them in the enterprise. These
citizens used their private fortunes and did hold a creditable exposition. Seeing their
courage, the Counties in the southern part of thei State built a beautiful buil£ng on
the grounds.
It was the pleasure of the writer to review the grounds in company with one of
the commissioners, who, after learning her mission as historian of the Negro in Cali-
fornia, showed her special courtesies. The writer viewed for the first time the Bay of
San Diego from the balcony of the California building on the exposition grounds. The
atmospheric conditions were such that she turned to the commissioner, who was explain-
ing to her the surrounding country, and said that the sight of the very blue, glistening
waters of the San Diegoi Bay, with its expanse of waters joining the Pacific Ocean far
beyond, made a sight to be remembered as much as the Bay of San Francisco, because
both were historic^. It was on this bay that, coming around what is now called ''Point
Loma," the ship "San Antonio" was first sighted by the missionary fathers who were
about to abandon California as a hopeless place. Mr. McGroarty calls the bay the * * Harbor
of the Sun and the Bright Shores of Glory."
San Diego has the most equable climate in all of America. It is said that there are
only six degrees difference between winter and summer, with neither fogs or blighting
winds. It is quite tropical in both vegetation and flowers, without the excessive heat.
The Panama-California Exposition, held there for two years, was truly a great
blessing to this beautiful city. Men, seeing the confidence the people had in themselves,
decided to invest their money, and soon there were great skyscrapers and business blocks
and many other businesses which had been much needed for many years.
The name of San Francisco, like that of California, carries with it a charm that has
aroused in the breast of civilized men in all parts of the world a desire to see and know
the city for themselves. The early Mission fathers were from the Franciscan College,
San Fernando, Mexico City. They were given instructions to establish missions in
honor of certain saints. Junipero Serra was very much surprised when he was not told
to establish a mission for Saint Francis. We are told that Galvez, who was governor-
general of the expedition, replied, ''If San Francisco wants a mission, let him cause his
port to be discovered." This statement showed clearly that Galvez did not regard
seriously Drake's discovery of a bay under Point Beys and at the time called San
Francisco. It has been proven in a recent publication that Drake 's voyages were in the
interest of the English crown. This statement is quite valuable because of the fact
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that the Mission fathers did not consider seriously that Drake's Bay was the real Bay
of San Francisco. If it is true that 8ir Francis Drake made voyages in and by the
instruction of and at the expense of the English crown, and had he found the large land-
locked Bay of San Francisco, it is strange that the English Government did not claim
California hundreds of years before the United States purchased it from Mexico. In a
work covering years of careful research, Mrs. Zelia Nuttall has fully proven the claim
that Sir Francis Drake did make discoveries in the interest of the English crown. There
are writers who claim that when Sir Francis Drake landed in the bay under Point Beys a
heavy fog closed the Golden GtKte so that he did not see it during the thirty-six days
of his stay. A more recent writer says that at the time the bay was discovered under
Point Beys there was no bay of San Francisco, but that later an earthquake made a
bay. Either of th^ last-named statements would be dificult to prove, but history does
record the fact that Portola, on his trip of exploration, failed to recognize the Bay of
Monterey and journeyed on up and through the Santa Olara Valley and over the hills
of Berkeley, and from the ''treeless slopes" of these hills he did discover the beautiful,
large, land-locked Bay of San Francisco. In the language of Viceroy Mendoza: ''So
that as well as in the chusing of the entrance as well as in not being able to find the
way it seemed unto all means that God has shut up the gate to all those who by human
strength (force) had gone about to attempt this enterprise and hath revealed it to a
poor and barefoot friar."
Since the days of th^ Mission fathers men have been willing to undergo all kinds
of hardships if at the "end of the trail" it led to San Francisco. Men during the gold
eraze were willing to take their chance with fate. The trip was dificult, long and
fraught with many dangers, whether by ox-team or by the way of the Isthmus of
Panama, or the longest way round "the Horn" to California. It will never be known
the number of persons losing their lives in an effort to reach San Francisco, California.
Those who did not come and remained on the other side of the Bocky Mountains were
anxiously awaiting a chance to come, heeding not the hardships if the trip led to San
Francisco, CiUif ornia.
In pioneer days San Francisco was not very much of a city, consisting of sand dunes
and a number of hills without streets. Even the houses were only shacks and tents. A
few wooden houses were brought around the Horn and afterward rebuilt. Bev. Flavil
Scott Mines brought from New York the first Episcopalian church to San Francisco
around the Horn, and rebuilt it afterward.
The climate of San Francisco is like perpetual spring, never very warm either in
snmmer or winter, although it is a better winter climate than it is usually given credit
for. The fogs are very much over-advertised, and whiles they are at times disagreeable,
still they are, in a measure, an advantage because of the purif;ping effect on the air.
There are several different kinds of fogs that appear around the^ Bay of San Francisco.
Mr. George McAdie, who for years was the weather forecaster for the Bay region and
lived in San Francisco, has a book in which he has given to the public his study of
"Fogs and Sky of San Francisco," which gives the reader a wonderful idea of the great
amount of good done through the fogs. This book also describes jthe various kinds of
fogs and the wonderful sky effects, especially during the spring months. The nearby
cities have more fogs during the winter than the Gity of San Franciscofand are much
colder. The heaviest' San Francisco fogs occur during the summer.
There are many near-by cities within easy communication from San Francisco,
namely, Sausolita, Mill Valley, San Baphael, Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Elmhurst,
Bichmond, and down the peninsula to San Mateo and Burlingame.
San Francisco of today is a city of beauty and cleanliness. Few cities in the State
have more natural beauty. There are lovely vistas from the many hills overlooking the
Bay and ocean, and from the mountains in the different sections of the city, namely,
Xione Mountain and Twin PeiOcs. It has many parks, the largest being "Golden Gate,"
which contains hundreds of acres of beautiful Isjidscape gardens and a memorial
museum given to the city by Mr. Mike de Young, editor of the Ban Francisco Chronicle,
a daily newspaper. In the center of this park rises majestically a small mountain
called "Strawberry Hill." To some Calif omians there is only one city in all the State,
and that is San Francisco. It is a real city, with as many skyscrapers and business
blocks (with the distracting noise left out) as either Chicago or New York. It has idl
the eastern styles and displayed at the same time they are in the East.
San Francisco has been destroyed seven times by fire and rebuilt as often. The last
destruction was by the earthquake and fire of April, 1906. They say that it has been
rebuilt more beautiful than ever. It seems almost unbelievable that a city could be
reduced to ashes, aside from the earthquake shocks, and yet the x>6ople would love it
so that they would rebuild more beautiful homes and greater businesses than ever. The
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146 THE NEQBO TRAIL BLAZERS
writer vintad this city juit three years after the fire of 1906, spending the winter
studying the people, eUmate and the spirit of San Franeiseo, and left, returning to the
East so filled with its spirit that ever afterward she has only spoken of it as ''The Oity
of Inspiration." The name, its spirit and atmosphere, seemed to earry with it an
inspiration to do great things. In pioneer days it developed the spirit of adventure
and possibilities of greater manhood in the individuaL It had the same efPeet upon
colored pioneers as it did upon other persons. Notwithstanding the numerous laws
against the Negroes living in peace in California, he seemed to catch the spirit of
San Francisco which enabled him to walk through his obstacles and to do the things
that developed manhood in members of the other races then living in California.
To prove the statement just given, the writer will dte one instance. The white
citizens had their newspapers, The CdHfofnian, Tlte 2.meruian Flag, The Alto, and later
The BuUetiti; the colored people had also papers to champion their rights before the publie,
and we find among these ear^-day Negro papers such papers as The Mirror of the Titmee,
The Pacific Appeal, and The Son Francisco Elevator,
The majority of the colored people during pioneer dayfll lived in the City of San
Francisco and the northern part of the State, namely, Sacramento, Marysville, Stockton
and Bed BlufP. They were the fighters against adverse legislation, giving their time
and money, rarely ever calling on the few colored people living in the southern part of
the State for assistance. The colored people now living in the northern part of the State
and around Sai^ Francisco remind one much of persons living around Boston and other
New England towns; they are so fond of their own little comer of the world; they are
so self-satisfied. A portion of them, however, did move to Los Angeles after the great
fire of 1906. The colored people living south of the Tehachapi mountains and f s^er
south are such that you wonder in which part of the State the colored residenters are
the most admirable, because they are all so loyal to their end of the State.
The colored population living in San Francisco have several well-established
churches, modem structures, often with a pipe organ. The largest churches are the
Third Baptist and the Bethel A. M. E., and the church which is often called the old
''Thomas Starr King Church," and known as the A. M. E. Zion Church. It was in the
last-named church t£at during pioneer days all the business of the "Franchise League"
was transacted and the meetings of the executive committee of the Colored Convention
were often held during those strenuous days. There was also another colored church
whose pastor and flock were great workers in the fights for an opportunity to live in
CiJifomia, and that church was the Episcopalian church and its pastor Bev. Cassey,
who spent much time and money in the meetings.
« The colored people of San Francisco now have several well-established and patron-
ized lodges, many coming from the east Bay cities of Oakland and other places. San
Francisco has a community of delightful colored citizens who have modem homes. They
are descendants of pioneer families and have grasped every opportunity for a higher
education for themselves and children.
The following list of the businesses conducted by pioneer persons of color during
early days in the City of San Francisco has been copied from a file of old newspapers
loaned to the writer through the courtesy of Mr. G. W. Watkins, author of "Prominent
Afro- Americans on the PacMc Coast," and editor of the Pacific Appeal, of San Frandseo;
"Jonas H. Townsend and William H. Newby, editors of the first colored newspaper
published on this coast, The Mirror of the Times, which was published in 1855 in San
Francisco; Phillip A« Bell and Zadock Bell, editors of The San Francisco Elevator,
which made its first appearance in the late fifties; Peter Anderson, editor of the Pacific
Appeal, published in San Francisco from 1857 to the late eighties.
"Fritz James Vosburg and James Biker organized a company and manufactured
'Cocoanut oil soap' in San Francisco; George Dennis, proprietor of a large livery
stable; James P. Dyer, manufacturing 'Queen Lily Soap,' wholesale and retail dealers;
Henry M. Collins, capitalist and owner of the steamship 'Princess Ann,' also a heavy
stockholder in the 'Navigation Company of Colored men'; Daniel Seals, capitalist and
a miner; Avenden Frances, wholesale merchant in dry goods; Monroe Taylor, proprietor
of the ferry boat lunch counters; G. W. Waddy, laundryman; C. Harris, locksmith; 8^
Long, drayman; George Davis, livery stable; William H. Blake, musician and leader of
band, dealer in band instruments; Gibbs & Pointer, proprietors of the Philadelphia
store; C. Griffin, barber on the Panama steamers; Albert Bevitt, herb doctor, office
comer Stockton and Powell streets, San Francisco; Mrs. Charlott Callander, sailors' and
seamen's boarding-house; James Bichard Phillips, hair-dressing parlors and bath house^
employing ten barbers and having twenty bathtubs; John Jones and James Biker
organized the 'Brannan Guards,' with the assistance of Alexander G. Dennison. Cap-
tain Alexander Ferguson was connected with the 'Bichmond Blues' and was consider^
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MRS. ELLEN HUDDETLSTON
Financier and Investor.
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THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
MRS. MAMIE CUNNINGHAM-WHITE
First colored girl clerk in Los Angeles
Postofflce.
MISS GERTRUDE CHRISMAN
Teacher of Spanish in Los Angeles
City Schools.
\
MRS. LOUISE CHRISMAN
Owner Chrisman Apartments,
Los Angeles.
MRS. SALLIE RICHARDSON
Social Worker.
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OP CALIFORNIA 149
m great orator; Anthony Lonej, manufaetured eigars and smoking tobacco; Lester ft
Pointer, eondneting the Philadelphia store of clothing; MifiSin Gibbs ft Pointer con-
ducted a wholesale and retail shoe-store and the only store of its kind in San Francisco
during that period. Thej decided to open the shoe-store after turning over to Lester ft
Pointer the Philadelphia store. Mr. Whitfield, author of a work on the 'History of
Masonry'; B. C. O. Benjamin, a distinguished lawyer and writer; EUen Spach, fash-
ionable dressmaker."
It is to be regretted that the writer cannot give even a greater list for this present
I>eriod of the history and life of the Negro in San Francisco, but there are but feiw
colored people in business of any kind today in the City of San Francisco. One of the
reasona is that common labor, upon which the business man must depend for his trade,
is not very remunerative for the Negro race in this city. With but few exceptions, all
the avenues of trade are closed to the Negro workman through the powerful influences
of the trade unions who rule San Francisco. During the past year business men, real-
izing that the trade unions were ruining San Francisco, decided to try, if possible, to
force an open shop. To that end the Chamber of Commerce and business men all over
San. Francisco subscribed to a fund which soon reached over a million of dollars to be
used to fight for an open shop. Negro hotel waiters were employed for a while in all
the first-class hotels, cafei^ and elsewhere. This lasted just long enough to make the
Negro happy and hopeful that the pioneer days of good work and good pay were
returning to the city and the Negroes could again earn a good livelihood. But, alast
their dream was soon over and before winter returned they were all out on the cold
bricks hunting for a job, with good references from the men who had recently employed
them, but were forced to manage their business at the dictation of the labor luiions.
There was a time when all the help in the Palace Hotel was colored, and many of these
men served for years and today have good homes in other parts of California. They
were not let out because of lack of dficiency, but on account of the labor union's
demands. Hence they have gone to make their homes in Los Angeles, where there is
open shop and a chance to make a living through the fight made for years by the late
General Harrison Gray Otis of The Time$.
The Chinese and Japanese laborer is employed almost exclusively in many avenues
in San Francisco. Some of these foreigners are more than the equal of white labor for
the same purpose, having been trained in the schools of their native homes for general
and special service, and they fill the exacting demands for the highest kind of service
^ whatever line they may desire to enter. It is an imposing sight to visit a home of
those who employ Japanese cooks and see them in their whit^ frocks, aprons and caps.
They dress the same, whether washing or cooking, and the writer has even seen window-
washers dressed in the same way. They have their own Y. M. C. A. and employment
agencies. Help sent from these places work for the money and nothing else; they will
not give you a minute over the time for which you employ them; they ask no favors
and give no extra time; it is strictly business with him and nothing else.
There are many colored graduates from the late Booker T. Washington's school who
have acquired the highest point of efficiency of service, and who have told the writer
how they have been forced either to move to other parts or give up the idea of finding
employment at their well-fitted trades in San Francisco.
Oakland, California, it has been said, was produced from the fire and calamity of
San Francisco during 1906. This resulted in a large number of persons moving to
Oakland and other east Bay cities to live, where they found a climate that was very
different from the city of Saint Francis, which still was easily accessible, and they
decided to build homes. At first men established temporary businesses which were so
Profitable that they have increased the same until today the future of Oakland does not
spend upon the left-overs from San Francisco, notwithstanding, according to the rec-
ords furnished by the Key system of ferries and railroads, that they transport together
with other roads something over forty thousand commuters daily who make their living
in the City of San Francisco. There is such a large number who do not contribute a
penny to the maintenance of the City of San Francisco that there has been, for the
past few years, a strong movement to annex the east Bay cities and call them ''The
Greater San Francisco," as has been done in New York State.
Oakland is fast growing into an independent manufacturing city and, with the
deep water harbor, bids fair to rival any city in the State. It is a beautiful city,
especially around Lake Merritt, upon whose shores fronts the beautiful million-dollar
municipal auditorium, which is the most complete and thoroughly fireproof auditorium
in the United States.
Lake Merritt is a large body of salt water in the center of the city. Its shore-
line has been beautified by numerous drives ancL parks, together pwji(f^^i^gu^^^^mp|s
150 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
eonrt and a munieipal boat house. The lake at all times ean be plied by pleasure eraft
with perfect safety. There are many beautiful homes along its shores with their
hanging and Boman gardens. In one of the numerous parks which make the inunediate
shore-line is located a band stand and music is rendered throughout the greater part of
the year on Sunday aftemons for the pleasure of all who may wish to enjoy it. On
the li^e-shore boulevard, aside from the homes of the wealthy, there are a number of
artistically designed flats and apartment houses. This boulevard runs back into the
hills, in which are located the beautiful suburban homes of the City of Piedmont.
Adjoining are the Crocker Highlands. The location of the land makes this one of the
most attractive suburbs in the State.
Oakland and the east Bay cities do not have exactly the same kind of fogs as San
Francisco. During the winter months they suffer with ^'low fogs," which drift down
from the ''tule kmds of Sacramento." These fogs are most dangerous to traffic, espe-
cially on the San Francisco Bay, yet few serious accidents occur. The east Bay cities
also suffer during the winter months with northwest winds. Oakland and Berkeley
especially suffer with the disagreeable winds. The climate is considered more equable
than any outride of San Diego.
The colored population have beautiful homes and own them. They also own more
businesses of their own than the colored people do in San F)rancisco. They have several
prosperous lawyers and two dentists and furniture stores, the business of which would
be creditable to any community.
Santa Cruz, California, is a city and also a summer resort with a most wonderful
climate for the nerves. It lies between the ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains,
resulting in the air being always filled with the fragrance of the pine, madrono and
redwood, mixed with the sea-air, making a restful and healing tonic for the nerves. It
is just far enough from the smoke and annoyances of a large manufacturing center to
give the air from the sea real saltiness and invigorating freshness.
Santa Cruz has a manufactory for making cement and a deep-water pier extending
about a mile out from land. The climate here is always mild, with little low fogs, but
considerable high fog during the sunrmer months, which makes it a summer resort for
people living in the San Joaquin valley. Santa Cruz lies so near the mountain ranches
that few people cultivate gardens. This makes it a city with considerable business,
beautiful homes, modern in every appointment; up-to-date business blocks and cleanly-
kept, large streets, well-paved. There are few colored people living in Santa Cruz.
Mrs. Albert Logan owns and keeps a hotel for colored tourists which is always filled
du^g and out of season. The largest apple orchards in California are located less
than fifty miles from thid resort, which is in the Pajaro Valley, the largest town of
which is Watsonville.
Monterey and Pacific Grove lie south of Santa Cruz and are two very picturesque
places. They are located about four miles apart, and one usually speaks of both at
the same time, notwithstanding they are very different in every appointment except tha
climate, which is always warm and balmy. During the summer the climate is very much
like San Francisco's, cool and refreshing, with high fogs, which makes the places a
resort for those living in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys. They are like Santa
Cruz in that they are a powerful nerve tonic and Ue between the beautiful Bay of*
Monterey and the wonderful forests of Del Monte.
Monterey Bay, with its beautiful blue waterq and massive cliffs, together with the
historical settings, makes it all very attractive. The first custom house, the first wooden
house, and the first theater in all of California were located at Monterey. It was here
that the headquarters of Consul Thomas O. Larkins and Lieutenant W. Sherman were
located. It was also at Monterey that the much-beloved poet, Bobert Louis Stevenson,
made his home and enjoyed its beauty and inspiration. As if to add to its romantic
and historical setting, there is located only a few miles from the town of Monterey the
beautiful, large, picturesque grounds of the Del Monte Hotels the gardens of which cover
some four hundred acres and, aside from being planted with the most tropical plants and
flowers, are beautifuUy landscaped in every appointment. They are located far enough
away from the bay and sheltered from the ocean by the massive forest of Del Monte to
be protected from cold, blasting winds and frosts, which enables them to raise with ease
these beautiful tropical plants and the most beautiful flowers. These gardens and grounds
of the Del Monte Botel are one of the show places of all California, and no one should
ever consider that he has seen California until he has viewed the blue waters and cliffs of
the Bay of Monterey and these wonderful gardens.
A few miles south of the Del Monte Hotel grounds is located a colony of writers
and artists at a village called ''Carmel by the Sea;" a little villa or rather several
villas, the homes of great minds who wish to be alone, believing ''there is pleasure in
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the pathless woods and the musie in the distant shore." They long for that quiet the
poet meant when he wrote, ''Come, and let us go into the woods where none but God
will be near, for I hate the sound and to breathe the thoughts of other men. ' ' But they
are seldom alone, for, in spite of their desire and their determination not to improve
either the roads ot their homes, still, even so, the writer has been told that nothing
less than eight hundred vehicles a day wend their way to Garmel by the Sea during the
summer months. The people go there not only to see what a village of great minds
would look like, but also to view the first Mission established inl Upper CalSomia, and,
while the first Christian burial in all of California was performed at this Mission, it
also is the last resting place for the bones of Friar Junipero Serra, which were re-en-
terred in 1913, through the Native Sons and Daughters and with an escort of the Young
Men's Institute, a Catholic society with branches or chapters all over the State. The
sands of the bay of Carmel by the Sea are the whitest sands in all of Calif omia and,
it has been said, in all the world. One must return to Monterey to reach the rest of
the world, and, while resting from the drive, it is interesting to note that while this
town is one of the first Spanish settlements in California, and the first capital of the
American CaUfomia, it has grown up with the times. The people, however, reverence
its historical setting and memory, and have destroyed not one land-mark for more
modem structures.
The Presidio, established during the pioneer days by the Padres, is still standing
and in use today, with but seemingly few changes, as United States army post, or
Presidio. A short distance from here is located a little town called New Monterey, which
is the home of retired Negro G. A B., some of whom are ex-army officers. They are
living comfortably and have a good church and are quite a factor in the community,
especially Mr. and Mrs. Washington and Mr. Bodgers, a veteran of the Ninth Cavalry.
Paso Bobles, California, lies south of the town of Monterey and is farther down
the coast. The climate is considered fine for rheumatism. The famous sulphur springs
and mud baths are located here, a statement which is not doubted for a minute after
one leaves the train, because the smell of sulphur is so strong it remindfl one readily of
Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The town is quaint and has an atmosphere of contentment.
The municipal bathhouse is a modem stmeture. There is also a bathhouse operated by
a colored gentleman, a Mr. Wathington, which is patronized by the public.
Santa Barbara, California, is where the wealthy people from the east come for rest
and perfect climate to restore their nerve and brain fag. It has been said that no
better climate in all the world can be found for such than at this beautiful seaside
resort. like Santa Cruz and Del Monte, it lies between the mountains and the sea.
The St. Inez Mountains are located at the back of the town, and the ocean and the
Santa Barbara channel on the southern exposure give the climate a wonderful mixture
for healthfulness.
The drives around the town are picturesque, with the settings of beautiful homes
and the large, well-kept grounds which, it has been said, are more like the great estates
in England than any other in America.This, they say, is especially true of the homes at
Montecito with the landscape gardens and houses so/ like English manor houses. The
flowers are more beautiful because of the tropical climate of California, and they can
be grown during the entire year.
The stately, palatial Potter Hotel is located here with its wonderful rose and
geranium gardens overlooking the ocean. Santa Barbara, with its soft, balmy, restful
atmosphere, free from fogs and blighting winds, is also the home of the only monastery
on the coast, the historical Santa Barbara Mission, which, of all the missions established
by the Mission fathers during early days, has never been allowed to go to ruin and
has been in constant use for over a hundred years, with its wealth of beautiful sacred
paintings brought from Spain during the last century, and readily makes Santa Barbara
the mort delightful place on the coast for a home.
There are few colored people living here, but the few are progressive and their
businesses consist of establishments for cleaning and dyeing and auto stages. The pastor
of the colored Baptist Church, Bev. Thompson, has a social settlement in connection
with his church that would add to a larger community pride for the successful man-
agement of the same.
Fowler, California, is one of the most interesting districts in the San Joaquin
Yalley. The holdings of the colored people in the district prove beyond a doubt that
they are capable of pioneering. This progression was really started through the enthu-
siasm of Mrs. Julia Bell, who came to Fowler, California, nearly thirty years ago. She
and her husband worked for the family of Mr. Curby, who moved to California from
Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing their servants with them. The town of Fowler, at
that date, was only a wheat field, and Mrs. Bell planted the first tree in the townsite.
152 THE NBQEO TRAIL BLAZERS
After living in C^Uif ornia for several vears, she sent the priee of a railroad ticket to
her brother Jordan Yonng, who was living in South Carolina and desirons of eoming
West. She was so hopef^ of the possibilities of Fowler that she wrote to every one
she knew to come to the town. She also invested heavily in property, using about ever3r
penny she coidd possibly spare for the purchase of real estate. In sf ter years she sent
for her father, Mr. David Jennings, who readily came to the State, and although he
was ninety years old at the time, he made the trip safely and lived to be one hundred
and five before passing.
Mr. Beuben Wysinger, a native son, owns a good ranch of fifteen acres planted in
Muscat, Tompkins and seedless raisin grapes. These grapes yield, on an average, a
ton to the acre and are marketed for $50 to $100 an acre. He also has a peach orchard
of the "Muir" and ''Alberta" peaches which yield two tons to the acre and sell all
the way from $100 to $150 an acre.
Mr. Wysinger and two other colored gentlemen, realizing the possibilities of this
section of California in the fruit industry, decided to procure a plot of land while the
price was within their reach. They purchased a plot of eighty acres, paying $100 down
and in fLye months paying another hundred dollars, which entitled them to a deed, with
five years in which to pay the remaining indebtedness at 10 per cent interest. They
paid twenty dollars an acre at the date of purchase, some fifteen years ago. Today one
could not buy the same ground for several hundred dollars an acre. After securing the
deed to the plot each man settled on his share and began the cultivation of the land.
It will be impossible to give the experience of every one of the gentlemen, but that of
Mr. Wysinger can safely be taken as an example of them all. His experience and
perseverance show what one can do with a will. He was employed during the day.
After night, with the assistance of his wife, he planted his peach orchard and vineyard.
Owing to their lack of experience, it required years of hard work before they were able
to secure a crop of anything. They never faltered and finally conquered, and today
they have a wonderful ranch that any one in the valley would be proud to own. The
best part of it all is, they own a beautiful, modem home and an automobile from the
products of a well-paying ranch. They have a family of three children, to whom they
are giving the best education that the State affords. They are also giving them actual
experience in ranch life, so that, if they wish, they can remain on the ranch and be
independent.
Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Eason own eighteen acres in Bowles, which is another settle-
ment of fruit growers just four miles from Fowler. Their ranch is planted in peach
orchards and vineyards for producing raisins. They also own fifteen city lots. They
moved from Atlanta, Georgia, less than fifteen years ago. When Mrs. Eason reached
Fowler, she learned that through an error in checking her baggage she had lost all her
belongings en route, and had only five dollars to her credit. Her husband had preceded
her to CaUfomia. They had left their daughter to finish her education at Clark's
University, Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Eason soon secured work as a laundress, following
the same with success for nine years, and with Mr. Eason working as a ranch hand,
they together saved enough to buy a ranch from the earnings of which they purchased
the city lots.
Jeremiah S. H. EUard owns twenty acres in Monmouth planted in peaches and
grapes, owning the same for the past eight years. They came from Atlanta, G^rgia,
about thirteen years ago with, as they told the writer, ' ' money enough to buy a pair of
shoes." Today his ranch is valued at $6,000. Mrs. EUard, who was Miss Elizabeth
Eason, has been a wonderful help-mate. She told the writer that during the fruit
season she has picked, day after day, three hundred trays of grapes, each tray averagings
twenty-two pounds. At another time she has cut seventy-five boxes of peaches in one
day. They are paid ^ve cents a box for peaches and two and a half cents a tray for
grapes. It is considered a good day's work to cut fifty boxes of peaches a day. A.
box will yield fifty pounds.
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Abemathy, coming from Pulaski, Tennessee, own a ranch of one
hundred and sixty acres. This ranch is very attractive, with its wonderful farm
houses and modern home. It is planted as follows: Twelve acres in peaches, twenty
in grape^ six in alfalfa, and eight in young peach trees, forty unimproved and eigh^
acres as a pasture for a dairy farm. Mrs. Abemathy was Miss Mary Toung, a daughter
of Jordon Young of Fowler. She thoroughly understands the managing of a ranch
and showed the writer many points of interest. Especially interesting were the large
stacks of drying trays which, she said, were worth at least $500. The sulphuring and
drying of fruit was all thoroughly explained to the writer, who could scarcely believe
the dried fruit of which we are so fond requires so much care before it is ready for
the markets of the world. Mr. Abemathy also cares for the |ortv-;i|mrm^^ Bv..
OP CALIFORNIA 153
liowe, who lives in Mt. Pleasant, Tenneaaee, which i^ under enltiTation, twelve aeres
planted in peaeh trees, eight in vines, and twentj in alfalfa.
Mr. and Mrs. €toorge Clark, moving from San Franeisco three jears ago, have
purchased twenty acres, starting a dairy farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee Orane own a ranch of five acres. They came from M Paso,
Texas, a few years ago and first located in AUensworth, California, but, learning that
Fowler would be a better place to carry on truck gardening, they decided to retain
their holdings at the first place and moved to Fowler, where they decided to purchase a
plot of land on which they have placed every available convenience, even their own
Biotor engine for the pumping of water. Mr. Crane has the distinction of being the
only colored man in Fowler who has a truck garden. He also successfully raises for
the market chickens and hogs. He enjoys a m<^em home and a charming wife.
Bev. Riddle owns five acres in Fowler planted in peaches and deciduous fruits,
and has a large, modem home. Messrs. Willie, John, Thomas and George Smith, all
brothers, own thirteen and a half city lots in Fowler and eighteen acreti in Bowles.
These boys, together with the sister, came to California from Grand Bass, Liberia,
Africa.
William Bennett owns three city blocks in Fowler. C. L. Brown owns twenty
acres in Bowles. The following are the names of a few families and their real estate
holdings in Bowles: William H. Boatman, twenty- two acres; Mr. Walker, one hundred
and sixty acres; Marshall Sutter, William Asken, Hayes Patrick, John Maxey, 8. P.
Phillips, and H. Simmons own twenty acres each. The two last named live in Monmouth.
Chapel Henry Nelson, living southwest of Fowler, owns a ranch of twenty-two
and a half aeres in peaches and vines and a flourishing poultry farm. He also owns
his own ice plant, horse and buggy, and has an interesting family. He is an officer in
the Odd Fellows lodge and a prominent member of the A. M. E. Church of Fowler.
Mr. Clarence C. Orr owns a ranch of seventy acres. He has a modem dairy farm
and also raises hogs for the market. His place is one of the show places of the settle*
ment, with its modem home and bams. Adjoining this ranch is one of twenty acres
owned by Mr. A. M. King.
Hanf ord, California, is the center ef the fruit industry. The largest vineyards in
America producing wine grapes are located there. They are owned bv JaDanese. The
colored people, however, own good paying ranches and large holdings in city property.
It is in this little inland city that the late Mr. Alex Anderson established, owned and
managed the largest livery and feed stables in central California. Since his death his
widow manages the stables, which are known as the ''Seventh Street Stables. '* She
owns between thirty and forty head of horses, besides race horses. All the leading
stores and hotels board their horses at this stable, which employs never less than seven
men. Mr. Anderson had been in business over thirteen years when he died. He had
eome to California from Council Grove, Kansas, about twenty-five years before. He
was happily married to Miss Mary Dobbins from Huntington, Virginia, a college gradu-
ate and a music teacher of ability, who thorbughly understood buriness and was a great
helpmate to him. She has a charming personality which readily endears her to every-
one. They were married twenty-four years.
Another interesting person in Hanford is Mrs. Ishour, who owns a ranch of one
hundred and sixty acres on which she successfully cultivates alfalfa and grain. It has
been said that one winter she marketed five tons of turkeys and a good crop of fruit.
8he is an active member of the A. M. E. Church and also owns, aside from her ranch, at
least four houses in town. She has lived in California for twenty-seven years, coming
from Saulsbury, North Carolina.
The only amusement park in Hanford is owned and conducted by a colored man,
Mr. George Smith. It contains an acre filled with tropical plants and wild animals. It
is called ''The Kings County Zoological Garden."
Mr. J. W. Moulden, coming from BentviUe, Tennessee, over twelve years ago, owns
town property, a concrete house, and an interesting family of two girls and two boys*
who have graduated from the public high school of Hanford. The gentleman is employed
as city scavenger.
Mr. and Mrs. John Welshar came to California from Council Grove^ Kansas, thirty
years ago. Mr. Welsher has been the janitor of the public school of Hanford for over
twenty years. He has two children, a girl and a boy. He owns eleven town lots and
thirteen and three-quarters acres one and one-half miles from town.
Mrs. Cornelia Mason, coming from Tyler, Texas, owns her home and four town
lots, and has two sons.
Mr. Wyatt, coming to California from Kansas City, Kansas, over twenty-six years
ago, owns two dwellings and twelve lots. There are many colo^<^d^|^im|t^^][iy^p;^in
154 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Hftiiford who are well ntuated. Among them is Bev. MeEaehen, who, a few years
•go, eondneted a eolonizatioii party from North Oarolina to California. Ber. O. W.
Ayers, from Biehmond, Virginia, living in California some twenty or mor^ y^ArSy and
eonneeted with the Second Baptist Qmreh, owns a home and four dty lots. Ber.
Blakney, an A. M. E. minister, eoming from Saolsbnry, North Carolina, owns valnable
town property. There are many others of the race living in Hanford who are doing
well and own good ranch and town properties
Mr. and Mrs. Gordon own good property. They are both well edneated and a
faetor in the eomnnmity. Mr. (Gordon is head porter of the City HoteL
AUensworth, California, is a settlement of colored citizens located sonth of Han-
ford in Tolare County. It was founded by the late Colonel AUensworth, who, together
with a number of other colored gentlemen, in 1908 organized The California Colony and
Home-Promotion Association. It was officered as follows: President, Colonel AUens-
worth (retired), chaplain of the Twenty-fourth Infantry of the United States Army;
secretary. Professor W. A Payne, formerly principal of Grant County colored school of
West Yirginia. The remaining members of the company were: Dr. W. H. Peck, J. W.
Palmer, a Nevada miner, and Harry Mitchel. The company received its state corpo-
ration papers in 1908 and immediately began to find a suitable location for a tract of
land for colonization. Mr. Oscar O. Overr was one of a committee of five gentlemen
sent out to look over the present tract with regard to colonizing the same. Mr. Overr
was so impressed with it that he purchased twelve acres immediately, but soon sold his
holdings for a handsome margin, which enabled him to make another purchase of twenty
acres. From this beginning has grown the prosperous town of AUensworth, California,
which is destined to be one of the greatest Negro cities in the United States.
The company of colored gentlemen who had made it possible for this colony, almost
immediately placed the land on the market. They met with encouragement, colored
citizens not only purchasing, but locating and building good homes. They were not
only settlers, but pioneers in spirit and deeds, willing to toU and hustle for development.
The rapid settlement of the colony necessitated the establishment of a school for
the colored chUdren of the colony. Through the county superintendent of schools, a Mr.
Walker, of Visalia, in 1910 they secured a county school foit the colony of AUensworth,
California, and a school house was buUt. The foUowing are the names of the members
of the first school board of the colony of AUensworth, California: President, Mrs.
AUensworth; secretary, Mrs. Oscar Overr, and Mr. W. HaU, member of the board.
In 1912, AUensworth was made a voting precinct school district, and in 1914 a
judicial district, covering an area of thirty-three square nnles. The school is a regular
County school, the district being known as AUensworth school district, and ample funds
are furnished to carry on the work. A State fund of $550 for every teacher employed,
also a County fund of $120 per average attendance^ and, when occasion demands, there
is available a district or special fund. The work of AUensworth school, which has been
equipped with aU modem apparatus for school work, including a good piano, is on a
par with that of any other district school in the State of California. The buUding is
so arranged that it can be thrown intd^ an assembly room. It is truly the AUensworth
social center. Services are conducted there on Sabbath, whUe a stage with two dressing
rooms make it possible to hold entertainments in it. When the school was first estalP
Ushed, through the influence of Mr. O. Overr the Pacific Farming Company donated
enough lumber to buUd the school-house, the Alpaugh school district supplying the
money for its teacher. To the surprise of this district the colony selected a colored
teacher, Mr. William A. Payne. Later, when the school warranted, another teacher
was appointed in the person of Miss Whiting from Berkeley. The rapid growth of the
colony soon made it necessary to erect a large school-building to accommodate the
chUdren of school age. The colony having been declared a school, voting and judicial
district by the County Board of Supervisors in 1914, the citizens of AUensworth voted
bonds to the amount of $5,000 for a new school-house and furnishings. Upon the com-
pletion of the buUding, Mrs. AUensworth donated the old buUding for a Ubrary. She
remodeled it and dedicated it to the memory of her mother, Mary Dickinson, and the
buUding is now known as ''The Mary Dickinson Memorial Library'' and reading room
of AUensworth, California.
Colonel AUensworth immediately gave his valuable private Ubrary of books to
this Ubrary. Others of the race have foUowed his example, namely a Mrs. S. M. Bal-
lard, of Fresno, giving a set of encyclopedia consisting of fLye volumes and a set of
four volumes of Universal English Language and a number of other valuable books; a
Mr. Greek, of North Dakota, a set of books on agriculture; Mr. Jerry Williams, San
Francisco, two volumes of Dunbar's works; Mr. Welsher, of Hanford, ten volumes of
the Encyclopedia Brittanica, and the writer, sending twenty-^v^ j^^^^^^i^i^ The
OP CAUPORNIA 155
<3oimty of Tolare, seeing the effort made by the colony to have a library and reading
room, decided to make it one of its circulating stations, sending them fifty books every
month. The books are called for and delivered free to the station and, in addition,
they also pay the current expenses of the library, the chief expense being that of the
custodian, a yonng colored girl, Miss Ethel Hall, who is a resident of the colony. The
library, as a branch of the free library of Tulare County, is quite a help and pleasure
to the settlers in Allensworth, especially the periodical room, which carries all the
latest m aga zi nes and papers. In a recent copy of the Visalia Delta occurred the fol-
lowing: ''Allensworth Folks Great Beaders. From all branch stations have come
requests for books dealing on questions of political economy and civic and other reform
movements, the warring nations of Europe and a variety of technical books upon
draughting and a score of other subjects. Particular interest is attached to the nature
of books wanted by the Allensworth colony. Chief of reference books asked for by this
branch library are those dealing with problems and interests of the colored race in
America and elsewhere. Accor£ng to Miss Herman, the librarian, the first people to
take advantage of the University of California's extension course were residents of the
Allensworth colony, who formed a club expressly for that purpose." The above quota-
tion is quite gratifying to all race lovers, and, like the colony, cannot help but be
inspiring to others to do likewise.
Much has been said about water in Allensworth, and the following statements have
been furnished the writer by Professor Payne, a gentleman who has been connected as
secretary of the colony from its formation and who ought to know the conditions better
thany an;^ one else: "The land is excellent, water-bearing land, as subsequent facts
will show. The main irrigation system is under the Allensworth Bural Water Company,
a State corporation, owned and controlled by Negroes, with a capital stock of $45,000
all paid in. There are three artesian wells, two of which are 1,200 feet deep and
anotiier is 300 feet. Two of these wells are pumped by gas engines. Contracts have,
been made for the placing of thre€( electric motors. There are three large reservoirs
for the storage of immense quantities of water. Water for the town-site is supplied by
an excellent artesian well and water mains have been laid throughout the residence
district during and since 1912. Storm waters have no more fear or terror for the
inhabitants of Allensworth than is experienced by persons living in the Sacramento
Valley or Southern California. This town is included in the Deer Creek storm-water
district and, with Alpaugh, Spa and other communities, is protected from any possible
damage by an excellent system of dykes which is maintained by the County. The
development of the County, with the increase of the use of water for irrigation and
the estoblishing of new enterprises make possible the use of all water that may accumu-
late. These dykes were built during 1910 and 1911. '^
While hundreds of race men all over the State are anxious about employment,
Allensworth citizens are given all they can do. Were there a larger x)opulation they
could secure many contracts. Their steadiness, honesty and integrify make them much
sought after in Tulare and adjoining counties. Not only are they given ordinary
employment, but they have secured vsJnable contracts, to-wit:
George Johnson, carpenter, has built many excellent houses in the vicinity, and
was given the contract to build the school-house in the colony; Travis & Hedges, plas-
terers, keep in their employ continually four men, and at present are completing the
building of a forty-room hotel at Corcoran, doing the brick work and plastering; John
Morris is a well diiller and a driver of traction engines. He has continuous employment
on large ranches; John Heitzig, a wealthy farmer, continually employs a force of Negro
workmen; W. H. Dodson, formerly of Oakland, is manager of several acres and is
king of the poultry business in that district; W. H. Wells constructed more than $6,000
worth of irrigation ditches for the Pacific Farming Company; Oscar Overr is general
manager of the Lambert-Detwiler interests and has a force of men continually under
his supervision. A number of others find profitable employment in harvesting grain
and sugar beets and in the gathering of fruits. Elmer Carter, a young man of business
foresight, readily siezed the opportunity to open a livery bam in Allensworth. He has
a number of excellent horses, good-looking vehicles and a good barn to keep them in.
He takes care of the rapidly-growing traffic between Allensworth and vicinity.
Mr. Zebedee H. Hinsmaa conducts a general merchandizing store. He has thor-
oughly prepared himself by studying and graduating from the National Co-operative
Bealty Company of Washington, D. C. He was appointed notary public for Tulare
County by ex-Governor Hiram Johnson, and is the Allensworth agent for the Home
Insurance Company of New York. Mr. Hindsman places the value of his stock in the
general merchandise store at $7,000. He also conducts a coal and feed yard and owns
four town lots. Mr. G. P. Blade, coming from Cleveland, Ohio, owns twenty acres of
Digitized by VjOv>^VIV^
156 THE NEOBO TRAIL BLAZERS
laady ten of wUeh he has plmnted in alfalfa and eight in ffrain which ayerages about
iweaty-ilTe husheli to the aere. He also has raised twentj-n&e tnrkeTS from two tnrkej
hens and has three cows, a beantifol span of horses, a modem home and a eharming wife.
Mr. Hedges, coming from Oleveland, Ohio, owns a modem cement house and has a
chicken ranch with erery modem improvement. It is not only thd most sanitary the
writer has ever visited, bat ig a gem in its uniqneness. Mr. Hedges does eement work
and is lUso a member of the Allensworth Watei; Company. Mr. Powell, eoming frcnn
Poeblo, Oolorado, has ten acres in grain. He has a son who graduated from the high
school of Alpaugh, Oalif omia.
Mr. Anderson Bird, formerly a member of the Twenty-ilfth Infantry, U. 8. Army,
Oompany D, having been retired, moved his family to the town of Allensworth and
purchased five acres of land. He is a very successful raiser of sugar beets. Mr. George
Archer, coming from Logan County, Kansas, owns five acres on which he cultivates
sugar beets and which yield three tons to the acre. He also owns a larger number of
chickens and pigs and a: modem home. Mr. John and Mrs. Vena Ashby were among
the first inhabitants of the colony, coming from Pueblo, Colorado. He is employed as
section boss on the Santa Fe raifroad, and is also a member of the Allensworth Water
Oompany. Sergeant James Grimes, from the Twenty-fourth Infantry (retired), IT. S.
Army, owns eleven and a half acres. Mr. Wallace Towne came from New York City
because of poor health, never expecting to regain it. After a residence of three years
in the colony of Allensworth he has fully regained his health and owns and manages
a forty-acre ranch. He has planted one-half in wheat and the remainder in barley and
hay. He has sold as high as one hundred and fifty sacks of wheat from twenty acres,
at two dollars a sack. He owns six horses, eight cows, four heifers, four pigs, and
one hundred and fifty broilers, thirty-five hens (he usually keeps two hundred hens),
one hundred young ducks and four old ducks. Previous to coming to Allensworth he
married Miss Annie Wanter, of Washington, D. C, who is truly a helpmate, so cheerful,
kind and helpful to all in the colony. Mr. Towne is actively engaged in every move-
ment for the interest of the colony and is a prominent citisen of the County.
Mr. William H. Wells, coming from Shelby, North Carolina, was the second person
to locate in Allensworth, landing with ten dollars, a sick wife and three children. At
the time the writer visited the colony his holdings were one hundred and eighty-two
and a half acres, six head of horses, farm implements valued at four hundred dollars,
two town lots with two developed wells. He was a most interesting person and thor-
oughly understood the art of pioneering. When asked for a statement as to his success
with so small a beginning, he replied: ''I am trying to prove to the white man beyond
a shadow of doubt that the Negro is capable of self-respect and self -controL " He has
a charming wife who, the writer thinks, has added much to the confidence and success
of the farm, because she is from the great State of Ohio, having been Miss Anderson,
of Xenia, Ohio, a town where the colored people know nothing else save thrift and no
limit to their aim in life to advance.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Miss Laura Smith located in Allensworth in 1910. There
were only seven persons then living in the colony. They own two city lots and the
best truck garden in the district, also raising Belgian hares for the market.
James Coleman owns five acres and is a dealer in oil, gasoline and ice. Mr.
Bunlap, coming from Erlanger, Kentucky, owns seven and one-half acres and two town
lots. He and his wife conduct a successful laundry. G. W. Hicks, sergeant of the
Twenty-fourth Infantry, U. S. Army( retired), owns three city lots and a ten-acre
ranch in alfalfa. W. ij. Perkins, coming from Buxton, Iowa, is the president of the
Young People 's Society and the leader of a brass band. He owns thirteen acres planted
in grain.
There are many other property-holders living in the colony, and others who have
vast holdings but do not live in California. Would that space permitted giving a
sketch or the names of the same! Sufficient to say that the colony is a success, and a
greater success than one living away from the State can imagine, especially smee the
Negro race is not given to pioneering.
It would not be just to close this chapter without mentioning something concerning
two gentlemen who, from the founding of the colony, have been untiring in their efforts
to build the place up to the standard it has now reached. The first of these is Prof.
W. A. Payne, who was secretary of the California Colonisation Home Company, and is
the principal of the Allensworth public school. He is actively engaged in assisting in
any movement for the betterment of Allensworth and is untiring in Ms efforts. He has
been well prepared for the responsibilties he has assumed. He is a graduate from the
Dennison University at Grandville, Ohio, having received the degree of B. A. and B. Sw
His Normal training was secured at the State Normal school, located at Athens, Ohio,
Digitized by XJKJVJWIS^
OP CALIFOBNIA 157
and for seven years he held the position of assistant principal of the school in Band-
ville, Ohio. He married Miss Zenobia B. Jones, a nieee of Professor James MeHenrj
Jones, of the West Virginia Colored Institute of Virginia. He has a large and inter-
esting family, owns ten acres under cultivation, carrying on truck-gardening during his
spare time; and also a modem home located on a plot of one acre of land. He worked
untiringly in an effort to have a polytechnic school located in AUensworth. Too much
praise cannot be given to this untiring and unselfish worker.
Mr. Oscar Overr is another person of whom too much cannot be said concerning
his devotion and earnest work for the advancement of AUensworth. He owns twen^-
f onr acres in the colony and is idso taking up Government land and has a claim of six
hundred and forty acres located two and one-half miles east of AUensworth. He came
from Topeka, Kansas, having lived in the State less than fifteen years. He has the
eontracting and developing of water for irrigation, four wells and one pumping-station
or plant valued at $2,000. He has under his supervision thirteen hundred acres of land,
four wells and two pumping stations, and other things necessary for that line of work
which he values at $2,500.
Mr. Overr owns a modem home located in a plat of land consisting of twenty acres.
He raises in abundance chickens, turkeys and ducks and has several cows. He is quite
enthusiastic concerning AUensworth, and, when asked for an opinion, repUed: "It has
passed the experimental and pioneering period, and, whUe it is stiU in its infancy, for
many reasons it is the best proposition ever offered to Negroes in the State.'' Mr.
Overr was the first colored person in California to be elected a justice of the peace,
having been elected to that office several years ago in AUensworth. In his untiring
efforts to locate a polytechnic school in AUensworth he freely spent both his time and
money and, whUe he did not succeed, stiU the people of the State after his lectures
were more f uUy informed as to the conditions and future of the colony of AUensworth,
California.
The question wiU naturally appeal to the reader, how do the people of AUensworth
entertain themselves after the day's work is overf The foUowing organizations are
their source of mental and physical relaxation: The Girls' Glee Club of the pubUc
schools, a brass band, the Women's Improvement Club, and the Singleton orchestra.
The Girls' Glee Club donated a set of four assembly-room brass swinging lamps for the
pubUc school house. The civic business of the community is conducted by the AUens-
worth Board of Trade. AUensworth' being a judicial district comprising thirty-three
square miles, they hold town elections and elect by vote a justice of the peace and
constable, both of whom are colored.
There are many districts in California where there are well organized Negro settle-
ments, namely: Furlong Tract and Albia, but AUensworth is the only one governed
by Negroes, and it is destined to become a real city.
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CHAPTER XIV
SOMETHINQ OF THE CoiX>BED CHURCHES
AU the movements for the uplift of the Negro race dnring pioneer days in California
were strongly supported by all the ministers of the A. M. E. Church. It is befitting
that a short survey of these trail blazers be given in this history. In view of the same,
the writer is quoting from the Semi-Centennial Conference minutes held in Oakland
dnring 1917, a copy of which was kindly furnished the writer by Bev. J. M. Brown, then
pastor of the Fifteenth Street Church, that city. The sketch is as follows:
''The California Conference was organised in what was then known as the XJnioa
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, San Francisco, Califomia, April 6. 1865»
Bishop Jabez Pitt Campbell, presiding bishop. The membership roll contained the
following names: Bev. Thomas M. D. Ward, missionary elder; traveling preachers,
Peter Green, Edward Tappan, James Hubbard, Charles Wesley Broadley, Peter Ealing-
worth, James C. Hamilton, John T. Jenifer; local preachers, Barney Fletcher, J. B.
Sanderson, the last named was the secretary, with James Hubbard, the assistant.
"At the time we numbered: Missionary elder, 1; local preachers, 2; travelinf^
deacons, 3; traveling preachers, 3; in full membership, 350; number of churches, 10;
total valuation of church property, $29,600. How or when we lost the two years in
reckoning our ago, I know not, but today our records make us fifty years old, when, ms
a matter of fact, we are two years in excess of the half -century mark, and as the reaoH
of fifty-two years of organic life we have presiding elders, 1; traveling elders, 16;
traveling deacons, 2; licentiates, 3; local elders, 3; lo<^ preachers, 10; full membership,
2,202; probationers, 376; Sunday-school pupils, 1,239; number of churches, 27; number
of parsonages, 19; total valuation of church property, $368,049.
''Seeing Califomia aa it is today, her metropolitan cities, her well-settled country,
her factories, shops, schools, and stately churches, with her wonderful railway system,
all but incapacitates one for the task of looking backward over a period of time,
although short as fifty years, and properly realize from whence we came. For the
darkest hour, for the task most difficult, to the lands most distant and for a people
most needful, God has never lacked for the man who would say, 'Here I am, send me.^
"With a population, in 1860, of 4,086 free people of color in the State, to elevate
them and develop their manhood came Bev. Charles Stewart, preaching the fatherhood
of God and the brotherhood of man. He sailed from New York December 1, 1851, on
board the steamer 'Brother Jonathan,' arriving in San Francisco Bay February 11, 1852.
The Sunday following, in company with his son who had come with him, a prayer meet-
ing was held in the home of Edward €k>mez, a West Indian, owning a rooming houae,
whom they met at St. Thomas. Present at this first service were Brother James Wilker-
son, Henry Butler, James Barton and Henry Lewis. On the next Tuesday they met
again at noon and for two hours prayer and discussion occupied their time, concluding
with arrangements for a permanent place of worship. A vacant house was secured at
a rental of $45 per month. Sixteen benches and a small pulpit comprised the furniture,
and February 22, 1852, the First African Methodist meeting house on the coast was
dedicated by Bev. George Taylor of Boston, Mass. Bev. Joseph Thompson, who had beem
erdained in England in the Wesleyan Methodist chureh, arrived in l^reh and soon was
installed as pastor.
"He, with the assistance of Brother Stewart, employed a lawyer, secured articles of
incorporation, presented them to the Mayor of San Francisco for his signature, who
signed the document and pledged $100 for the erection of a new church. April 29, he
left for Sacramento, the capital, to secure the signature of the Governor. Here he met
the Bev. Barney Fletcher and other brethren, to whom he made known his mission. He
preached for them on the Sabbath and received a collection of $50. On Monday he met
the Governor, who signed the papers and gave him $100. He visited the Adams Express
Company and the Townsend Banking Company, receiving from them $100 each, and
from other various amounts, so he was able to return to Sim Francisco with $450. Here
the sum was increased by $900, the church built, and on August 8 was dedicated by the
Bev. George Taylor.
"N. B. — To Bt. Bev. B. T. Tanner, D. D., in his 'Apology for African Methodism,'
are we indebted for the historical data herein presented.
"(Signed) J.H.^W1^N,^^^«^^^^'
OP CALIFORNIA 159
The A. M. E. Church has been the leading spirit in the building of Oalif omia for
the Negro, notwithstanding the other denominations, sneh as the l^iscopalian chnreh
and their pastors have worked shoulder to shoulder. The other denominations were not
so ablj represented on the coast in pioneer days. Those who were in GaUfomia united
their forces for the good of the race in those strenuous days of the transition period. It
has been the object of the writer to secure sketches of as many pioneer ministers as
possible. Hence the sketches that follow should, because of the self-sacrifice of thBse
men and; the great good they have done, be considered really the Honor Boll of all the
pioneers in or of Calif omia, regardless of the '49ers.
The following is a short survey of the Episcopalian Church of Northern California.
There seems to have been no record kept of the work done among the colored people in
San Francisco until after the coming of Bev. Peter Cassey. Bev. Flavel Scotts Mines
came to California in 1851 and soon afterward established a mission for colored people.
It has been impossible to obtain any definite data concerning the same, except from
a few old pioneers who could not remember the date sufficiently exactly to record. The
following concerning the Episcopalian Church for the colored has been kindly submit-
ted by Bev. David B. Wallace, who, like Bev. Peter Cassey, is intensely ^interested in
the uplift of the race:
''St. Augustin Mission, Twenty-seventh and West streets, Oakland, California:
Work of the Episcopal church among the colored people of the Bay region of San Fran-
cisco, Califomiisk, is no new thing, as an attempt was made forty years ago to establish
'Christ Church Mission' in San Francisco; but the effort failed then, as it would now
for lack of members. Then there were but few people, because they had not yet begun
to migrate to California in sufficient numbers. Now there are but few in San Francisco
because the former residents have, since the fire of 1906, become successfully established
in otheii cities, especially Oakland, because of difficulty in securing employment. Oakland
next to Los Angeles, has a population sufficient to warrant the establishing a mission and
was wisely selected for that purpose.
' ' St. Augustin 's Mission was begun by the Bev. E. C. Gee, then Bector of St. John 's
Church, Oakland, on the last Sunday in July, 1910, Bishop Nichols being present and
preaching. Each Sunday evening at six o'clock from that time evensong, with sermon,
was sung in the Sunday-school room and classes for confirmation were prepared in the
same place on Wednesday night. After the coming of the present Vicar the 'Holy
Eucharist' was celebrated each Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday morning and on holy
days in the chapel. The first fruits of the mission, eleven persons were presented to the
Bishop of San Joaquin, May 18, 1911, by the founder of the mission and since that time
the Bev. David B. Wallace, who was called to be Vicar in August, 1911, has presented, up
to 1916, to the Bishop of California, 86 persons. Fifty others have been added to the
communicant roll. Seventy-seven have been baptized, seventeen couples married, and
fifty-one persons buried.
"A building fund was started and some $600 accumulated in addition to moneys
raised for missionary, benevolent, salary and other purposes. The mission could not, how-
ever, have passed its first stage successfully without assistance, and we gratefully
acknowledge free lights, heat, janitor service, vestments, and furnishings from St. John 's
altar and Unens from the women's auxiliary; a monthly contribution from the Bev. Dr.
Bakewell and a substantial sum from the convocation of San Francisco toward the
building fund.
"So well satisfied were the Bishop and Archdeacon with the results achieved and
so convinced were' they that the mission needed a plant of its own, which it could not
itself provide, that, in February, 1913, it was decided to make St. Augustin 's a Cathe-
dral Mission and purchase a lot and building for its use at the southwest comer of
Twenty-seventh and West streets, Oakland. The lot cost $3,000 and is fprty-five by
ninety feet, with a high basement cottage across the back thirty-two by thirty-six feet.
The congregation undertook to meet all expenses incidental to acquiring property and
making the necessary alterations to the building thereon, which it has done to the
amount of $4,600. A chapel has been provided thirty-two by twenty-five feet, with
vestry, and kitchen in the rear and seating about eighty-five people. St. Paul's, Oak-
land, aided with benches, pulpit, Bible, gifts and memorials from the people. Trinity
Parish will cede the necessary territory when the mission becomes organized.
"A fund for a now and permanent building was immediately started and now has
reached $650 (1917). Now, after almost four years of combined success with the pres-
ent inadequate equipment, the Archdeacon has authorized the drawing of plans and the
starting of a campaign to raise six thousand dollars. The plans provide for a church
seating two hundred people, with basement containing an auditorium, seating two hun-
dred people, stage, kitchen and store room. It is plaimed to raise $^,^§(|i)^;ii||^t ^9m |i^e
160 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
colored people, then to secure twiee ae mueh from the parishes of the diocese, sad,
flmalljr, to appeal to wealthjr indiyiduals for the balance."
The A. M. E. Zion church was founded August, 1852, in Stockton street, between
Broadway and Vallejo streets, San Francisco, with Bey. J. J. Moore as pastor. From
there they moved to Pacific street, where they built a brick chapeL In 1864 they
bought the Bey. Thomas Starr King Church property. This church has been carefully
pastored by Bey. J. J4 Moore, D. D. (now Bishop), Bev. Lodge, Walters, Hector, A. B.
Smith, W. H. Hillary and C. 0. Pettey.
The first A. M. E. Church established in CaUf omia was in San Francisco and was
known as St. Qyrian A. M. E. Church. It was located at the comer of Jackson and
Virginia street. In 1854 the pastor raised the building and a school for the colored
people was opened in the basement. The public school board leased it for one year,
with the privilege of two years, at the monthly rental of $50, payable monthly in
advance. Mr. J. J. Moore (colored) is the teacher.
In Grass VaUey Township, Nevada County, an A. M. E. Church was established in
1854. ''The trustees, during the past year, erected a small but complete school house
on the church lot, the trustees of the church forming a society for the purpose of erecting
this schooL Be v. Peter Green, pastor, and the foUowing named persons: Isaac Sanks^
James Thomas, John Hicks, Marry Blackburn, and Isaac Bulmer." — Grass Valley
Directory.
Peter Powers, in Tehama County, began the building of a church in 1866. In 1870
he went to Chico and bought property and planned and built a church on two beautiful
lots owned by colored people. It was known as the A. M. E. Church.
Mr. William Bobinson, of Bed Bluff, was one of the prime movers in building and
organizing a church in Bed Bluff, and boarded the pastor free for years.
The first Baptist Church in the State was organized in 1854, in San Francisco. A
Mr. Samuel Shelton purchased an old warehouse and personally paid for having it
fitted for a church.
Bey« Bandolph, Mrs. Segue, Mrs. Blue, Mrs. McGowan and Mrs. Bland, were the
founders of Mt. Olivet Church of Marysville, California. Mrs. McGowan was the
treasurer for thirty years.
Bev. Stokes organized a church at Bozenville Junction, with Mrs. Smith and Mm
Scott, Mr. C. Alexander, Bosa and John Alexander, of Nevada City.
''Beligious Life of Los Angeles Negroes,'' by Bev. G. B. Bryant, in the Los
Angeles Times, February 12, 1909: ". . . There are three distinct branches of the
Methodists in this city — ^African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist EpiscopiU
Zion, and the Colored Methodist Episcopal. The African Methodist was the first of
these to organize. . . . They started out with a small membership and labored
under many disadvantages to pay for the old church property on Azusa street. They
were at one time in such straitened circumstances for the payment for the proper^
that one of the bishops advised the oficials of the church to g^ve up the property, but
some of the faithful band held on until all could see the possibilities of paying the debt,
which was done in 1902, under the pastorate of the Bev. J. E. Edwards. A new and
better location for a church on the comer of Eighth and Towne Avenue was purchased
and a large and beautiful house of worship was erected at a cost of over $20,000. In
1907, the pastor. Dr. W. H. Peck, and his official board sold the old Azusa street property
for enough money to finish paying for the new church on Eighth street and l^wne
avenue. They have almost nine hundred members, with two mission churches in the
city. Some of the wealthiest Negroes in Los Angeles attend this church.
''The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church was organized soon after the
African Methodist Church, with less than twenty members. & 1906 dissension arose
which resulted in the removal of the pastor and the division of the church. Many of
the communicants went to the African Methodist Church. Three years ago the talented
Bev. W. D. Speight of Arkansas was appointed to this charge. He has been able to
restore harmony and the church is in a prosperous condition, with one of the finest
church edifices for Negroes in the State.
''The Colored Methodist Church was organized in this city January 8, 1906, with
eight members, by Bev. J. W. Beese. They have forty-five members and a parsonage
and a lot on which a church is soon to be erected. Bev. S. L. Harris, of Texas, has
recently been appointed pastor of this flock. May 4, 1888, the First Methodist Church,
of which Dr. B. S. Cantine was pastor, on request of the few Negro members that
belonged to it, and by appointment of the Methodist preachers' meeting, through Dr.
Hugh, a superannuated preacher, organized Wesley chapel with eight members. Dr.
Tubbs, a white man, was the first appointed pastor. He was succeeded by Bev. D.
Mucker, a Negro. t
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OP CALIFORNIA 161
''6eptember 14, 1892, a lot on the eorner of Sixth itreet and Maple avenue wai
porehaeed at a eost of $2,520. In 1904 this lot was sold for $24,000, with whieh the
present location was purchased and a building erected at a cost of $82,000. The lots,
buildings and furnishings cost $45,000. After releasing a number of members to organise
a church at Long Beach and Mason chapel in this citj, Wesley chapel has more than
500 members.
''Mason chapel, organised 1908 through the assistaBce of the Oitj Missionaij
Society, has a neat church and a parsonage, with a membership of less than a hundrea.
It is in a prosperous condition Bev. G. W. Pinkney, a graduate of Howard University,
is pastor.
''The Second Baptist Church was the first of the Negro demoninations to organise
in this city. For more than eighteen years Bev. 0. H. Anderson was pastor of this
flock. Three other congregations were formed from this organization. Tabernacle, Mt.
Zion and New Hope Baptist Church. In 1908 the Bev. McCoy, a graduate of Howard
University, an able preacher and experienced pastor, was called to this church. His
saceess has been great. There are nve hundred members. Their church property is
valued at $40,000.
"Bev. J. D. Gordon, a graduate of Atlanta Baptist College, is the pastor of the
Tabernacle Baptist Church. This congregation has a membership of 800, with a beau-
tiful church edifice valued at $10,000.
"The Mt. Zion Baptist Church has a large building on Third street and Stevenson
avenue, worth $20,000. Bev. J. T. Hill, A. M., DJ>., one of the ablest men of his
denomination is pastor. They have about two hundred members.
"December, 1907, Bev. C. H. Anderson resigned the pastorate of the Second Baptist
Church and organized the New Hope Baptist Church with one hundred members who
went with him from the Second Baptist Church. They have one hundred and seventy-
five members and a building near Sixteenth and Paloma street suited to their needs
worth $5,000, with very little debt on it. Bev. Anderson is a wise and succesaf ul pastor.
"On request of some of the Negro communicants, the Presbyterians of this city
organized the Westminster Presbyterian Church for the Negro people, October, 1904.
Bev. Dr. Baker, an able man and a friend to the Negro people, was appointed pastor.
He was succeeded May, 1908, by Bev. B. W. Holman, a graduate of 'Willingsford. Dr.
Holman is a great preacher. His beautiful church of forty members, situated on the
eorner of Thirty-six and Denker streets, the only Negro church; west of Main street, is
a blessing to the West Side. The Presbyterian board is making no mistake in helping
to sustain this church.
"The Negro constituency of the Christian Church is grateful to Mr. Coulter, pro-
prietor of Coulter's dry goods store, this city, for the gift of a neat church on East
Eighth street near Central avenue.
"The Mission of St. Philip the Evangelist, the last of the Negro churches to
organize in this city, with less than a score of members, is worshipping in Scott's HaU.
They are soon to have a house of their own in which to worship. E. L. Chew is ii^
charge of this mission. He has a class to be confirmed at an early date. Mr. Chew is
eminently fitted for this work. He is a graduate of Mississippi State College and of
the Gktmmon Theological Seminary at Atlanta, Georgia. He was dean of Turner Theo-
logical School in Atlanta four years. He served as principal of Gray street public
school in Atlanta for ten years. He owns considerable property in Los Angeles. He is
deputy assessor and tax collector, the only clerical position held by a Negro in this
city 's government. Negroes are to be found in almost all the other CAiristian denomina-
tions in Los Angeles. There are a large number of Boman Catholics, most of whom
are members of tiie Cathedral parish, and their numbers are constantly increasing."
The following are some extracts from the great mortgage burning of the historic
Eighth and Towns Church, which took place in March, 1918. This is quoted from the
Calif omia Eagle, ' The first is from an address delivered by Bev. Mrs. D. B. Jones on
that occasion. She said: "The month of August, in the year 1893, was an eventful
one in the annals of African Methodism on the Pacific Coast. The Twenty-ninth Annual
Conference was held at MarysviUe, August 9 to 13, and was visited by two distinguished
prelates. Bishop B. F. Lee, the presiding bishop, and Bishop James A. Handy, also a
prospective bishop in the person of Dr. L. J. Coppin, and an aspirant for financial secre-
tary. Dr. Phillip A. Hubbard. Both reached the goal to which they aspired. Bishop
Coppin is at present serving the Fourth Episcopal district. Dr. Hubbard passed from
the financial chair to his final reward, many years ago.
' ' The conference was also graced by the presence of three prominent women. Sister
Bishop Handy vice-president, W. M. M. Society; Sister Fanny Coppin, noted educator,
and Sister Hannah Hubbard. From San Francisco, our former parish, after a few days'
162 THE NEGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
delaj occasioned by the publication of the conference minutes, husband, daughter and
mjvelf proceeded to Los Angeles, our* new charge, arriving Sunday, August 27, about
1 P. M. We went to my mother's home on Azusa street, near the church.
''It being the custom to hold class immediately following the morning service, the
meeting was soon dismissed and a number of the members came to the house to greet
us, among them Father Cyrus Vena and Mother Norris (Elvira). The people were
apparently pleased and received us gladly. The membership, composed of about 125
persons, including probationers, scattered far and widei over the city noted for its vast
area and its inclination to include in its corporate limits every pebble and stone between
the mountains and the sea. Some members lived as far distant as Santa Monica, Long
Beach, Pasadena, Monrovia, San Cbkbriel and Pomona. Though scattered from one end
of the city limits to the other and beyond the limits, there was solidarity of thought
and action, a unison of spiritual power and alertness, that made Stevens A. M. £.
Church, as it was then known, a potent factor in the religious, moral, edu^tional and
civic life of the community. The people were in a receptive frame of mind, they
seemed to be hungering and thirsting after righteousness. A revival was started at
once. At the first meeting, Sunday evening. Sister Carrie McClane held up her hand for
prayer and was converted. A number of others followed and the interest grew until a
score were converted and added to the church.
". . . I recall some of the splendid men and women who were active in the
church at this time. I will name them as they come to my mind, without comment:
Cyrus Vena, Charles Clarkson, John Banks, John Sanders, Abraham Curtis, B. T. Talbot,
Harry Franklin, Charles Parker, J. W. Marsailes, L. F. Fanner, Julius Maxwell, H. W.
Spiller, A. B. McCoUough, Jackson Harris, William Wells, Elvira Norris, Nancy Fnlgen,
Harriet McNeil, Bessie Owens, Eliza Posey, Eliza Warner, Fannie Warner, Emily Clark-
son, Jennie Lewis, Mary E. Bronson, Mary Harris, Ellen Keen, Sarah Thompson, Vir-
ginia Nelson, Sarah Thompkins, Emma Anderson, Amanda Spiller, Fannie SeiJs, Hattie
Lewis, Ellen Huddelston, Mary Harney, Harriett Brown, Maria Duncan, S. W. Calvin,
Bebecca Sanders, Bachel Lee, Polly Smith, Alvain Murphy, Nannie Buford, Minnie
Cunningham, Mamie Newman, Emily Baker, Nannie Beynolds, Julia Maxwell, Core E.
Finney, Carrie White, and a host of others, enough to fill many pages, whom 1 found
ready and determined to wrestle, fight and pray» 'the battle ne'er give o'er.' Theae
by their sacrifices and labors of love made it possible for us to be here tonight. . . ."
The following is an extract from an address delivered by A. H. Wilson, trustee
and steward: ". • . In November, 1903, we moved into this grand old building.
Our congregation was small because only a few people were in Los Angeles. The
church began to grow. After Bev. J. E. Edwards left, Bev. Peck was appointed to this
charge, and he went to work and put in this great pipe organ. He fini^ed his work;
then came to us Bev. Jessie F. Peck, the great pastor of the day. He built up this
great cho^ of ours, which stands as one of the greatest choirs in the United States.
"The city put a great debt on us of $6,000. When Bev. J. F. Peck left us the
indebtedness was upon us for $3,975. He built up a great congregation and left us.
The next pastor found us in debt. He stayed with us two years, paid $815 on the debt
and borrowed $300 from the Mutual Aid Association. Vfhen he left us we were in
debt $3,460. Now the church of today, as we now stand: This great pastor, Bev. J.
Logan Craw, came to us on the third day of October^ 1915. He found the church in a
very bad condition. You can see it today. He did not complain of anything, but wait
to work. Interest was due. He went to work the first Sunday and ndsed $121, which
was $11 over the amount that was due. He found the basement in a vary bad condi-
tion. You can see it today. It is nicely fixed up and we call it our banquet haU.
The pastor saw that $8,460 was upon the church, and said to the people: "Let us pay
off this debt.' We said 'Yes.' This great pastor has done a great work, with the
assistance of his dear wife. I have never seen her equal as a pastor's wife. May Ood
bless both of you."
The following is an extract from the financial report of Bev. Oaw, as he was
leaving for eonference, August, 1918. It is taken from the California Bagle; "Dr.
Logan Craw, successful pastor and financier of historic Eighth and Towne Avenue
Church (First A. M. £.), this city, with his accomplished. Christian wife, wound up
th^ third conference work here Sunday night and left on Monday evening for the
annual conference, idiich meets witii Bev. G. L. Triggs, pastor of Stockton, (^dif omia.
Three years ago, when Dr. Craw came to this metropolitan charge from Portland, Ore-
gon, he found Itrst Chureh here in a turbulent condition. The membership had split.
A mortgage debt of $8,160 to the Security Bank and $300 to the Mutual Aid Society,
and several other little outstanding debts confronted him. . . . Today the mortgage
debt has been burned, all debts paid; • . . The church entj|^^^^b^i^!l^d.at nearly
OF CALIFORNIA 163
a eost of one thousand dollars; the membership brought back where it was before the
awful split, and every vestige of trustee indebtedness wiped out. This church sings now
in truth 'Free at last.' and Dr. Craw's annual report read for this year amid thanks-
giving and joy Sunday night. . . ."
It is impossible to give in full this lengthy report, which shows that none of the
obligations to the general conference was neglected, but, on the other hand, was liberiUly
supported. "Totfd money collected for all purposes, $8,120.59. Value of church and
Simday school property, $90,000. Indebtedness on the charge, none.'' It is gratifying
to quote these extracts concerning this church. Well do they call it "Historic," for
in the list of names of the bishops and lay members the writer has found many who
were "Trail Blazers" in the "Pioneer History" of the State. It was through their
suffering and sacrifices that the Negro of today is able to live comfortably in this State.
The next sketch will contain the work of a notable "Trail Blazer" in the fight for
the full citizenship of the Negro and his spiritual uplift. Bev. Bishop T. M. D. Ward,
tenth bishop of the A. M. E. Church, was bom in Hanover, Pennsylvania, September 28,
1823. He was converted in 1838 at Philadelphia and joined the A. M. E. CAiuroh; was
licensed to preach in 1843 at Harrisburg, Pa., by Bev. Lewis Lee, and, in 1846, was
admitted to the New England Conference; was ordained deacon, 1847, and elder in 1849.
After being ordained he was appointed missionary for the Pacific Coast, where he
remained several years, organizing churches in, that section, then but sparingly settled.
"In 1868 he was elected bishop, ordained in Lexington, Virginia, and the rural
schools; was licensed to preach in May, 1868, and returned as bishop to the Pacific
Coast, where he remained four years. He was afterward assigned to Alabama, Florida,
and Mississippi, and other districts in thei South, while he Sid much to build up the
church and distinguish himself as pulpit orator of the first class. The degree of D. D.
was conferred upon him by Wilberf orce University. He died June 10, 1894, and was
buried in Washington, D. C." (From the A. M. E. Centennial Beview). Bishop Ward's
name appears in every movement for the betterment of the race in California. He was
instrumental in Bev. J. B. Sanderson coming to this coast, as the bishop came direct
from his home town, New Bedford, Massachusetts. After Bishop Ward was ordained as
bishop he returned to San Francisco and, on the occasion of the celebration of the
Emancipation Proclamation, he delivered one of the greatest orations ever delivered
since or before in California by a Negro on the subject of "The Aspects, Prospects and
Betroepeets of the Negro Bace."
Bev. Jeremiah Burke Sanderson, the subject of this sketch, was bom in New
Bedford, Massachusetts. He was the son of a full-blood Gray -head Indian woman and
a Scotchman. He came to California from New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1854. Sailing
from New York to Aspinwall, stopping en route at Key West, Florida, crossing the
Isthmus of Panama, he boarded the steamer "Sonora," sailing to San Francisco, Cali-
fornia. All the help on the steamer were colored. A Mr. Cowles, who was store-
keeper, afterward became a distinguished pioneer colored citizen of San Francisco.
Mr. Sanderson, upon reaching San Francisco, soon learned that the greater number of
the colored people then living in California were located in Sacramento and the mining
districts in the mountains. He soon left and located in Sacramento, where the colored
residents, learning that he was an educator, extended him a call to conduct a school
for their children. After a careful consideration, he decided to open a day and evening
school for the education of the colored race. He met with great encouragement and, in
time, decided that his school was not equal to the needs, being supported through private
subscription from the colored people. Acting upon his own initiative, he wrote a letter
to the board of education asking them to establish a colored public school. A copy of
this wonderful letter will be found in the chapter devoted to "Education."
The board of education of Sacramento erected a new school house for the colored
in May, 1855. Mr. Sanderson was appointed as teacher and filled the position with
credit until he received a call to a position as principal of a colored school in San
Francisco. He accepted the position and retained it for eight years. Learning that
the colored children in Stockton were without a school^ he resided his position in San
Francisco and went to Stockton, where he establi^ed a school for colored children.
Mr. Sanderson was the father of schools for colored children throughout California. It
was while teaching in Stockton that his fame as an educator became so well known
throughout the State. The following press notice from a (white) daily paper of that
period will give the reader an estimate of his position as an educator: "We accom-
panied Mayor Orr, city superintendent of public schools; Mr. BandaU, principal of the
grammar schools, and Mr. Nelson, teacher of the intermediate school on Fremont Square,
on a short visit to the colored school on Elk street, between Mar^e|^^d ^ft^ff ^'^^
164 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
"Many profeisioiial teachers migblf-be beBefited by paying a short visit to the
same plaee and noting the thoronghnei^ l>f instruction given to the colored pupils by
Mr. Sanderson, the colored school teacher. We hazard nothing in saying that he Ss one
of the best teachers in the county; and it is only the prejudice which so extenaivelj
prevails against a sable skin that prevents him from occupying one of the hlgheafr
positions as a teacher in one of the public schools. There are few men if any in Ite
County who can excel him." — (StockUm Independent)
The above quotation is self-explanatory and readily gives the reader the key at- ft
his superb leadership among the race people then living in Oalifomia. Mr. SandeiaaR
was an active figure in every movement lor the betterment of the race in the strops
against adverse legislation. He was a member of the first and subsequent ConventiNHI
of Colored Citizens, an active member of the ''Executive Comn&ittee," the FinnsllUwj
~~ Young Men's Beneficial Society of San Raft*
League, Educational Convention and the
cdseo. He assisted in organizing many churches throughout the state. It has Ww|
said of him that ''He was a delightful Christian gentleman."
Mr. Sanderson's family did not accompany him to California owing to the lingntllg
illness of his mother-in-law. Immediately upon her passing Mrs. Sanderson and ^ft
children came to California, arriving in San Francisco in 1859. The steamer arrMs^
late, there was no one to meet them, whereupon Mrs. Sanderson remarked that It ^wpa
prayer meeting nig^t, and if riiown to the colored church she would find her husibsflpti
there. She was escorted to the church and the family reunion was such a happy oM
the prayer meeting was soon dismissed. Bev. Sanderson had not forgotten God aaA
was found at his post of duty after an absence from his family of five years, while livHuf
in the "Wild and WooUy West."
Neither time, money, position nor anything else counted with Mr. Sanderson if hm
could serve the best interest of the race by giving either, as will be seen from the
following: While he was teaching in Stockton he heard of a colored girl being held
as a slave on a ranch near by. Several of the colored i>eople had at various times tried
to liberate her, but in vain. The moment Mr. Sanderson heard of her, he dismissed
school and, going to the sheriff of the County, together they drove out to the ranch
and brought the girl into town. After a court trial. she was liberated.
It was while he was teaching in Stockton that the colored people throughout the
State began to fully realize his worth as a teacher and sent their children from all parts
of the State to be tutored by him. The thoroughness of the foundation he laid for
their future education can best be judged if the reader is told that the greatest Negro
financier of the United States was educated under Mr. Sanderson. This refers to Mr.
Bobert Owens, of Los Angeles, California, who was a pupil and boarded in the home of
Mr. Sanderson when he taught in Stockton; also Mr. Byron Bowen of San Bernardino
was a student under this same teacher.
Previous to coming to this coast Mr. Sanderson often filled the pulpit in his home
town. The following quotation from William Nell's book, "The Blael^ Man," says:
"New Bedford, Massachusetts, has produced a number of highly intelligent men of the
doomed race, men who by their own efforts have attained position inteUectually which^
if they had been of the more-favored class, would have introduced them into the haJla
of Congress. One of them is Mr. J. B. Sanderson, an industrious student and an ardent
lover of literature. ... He has mastered history, theology and the classics.
"Mr. Sanderson, although not an ordained minister, in 1848 preached for one of
the religious societies of New Bedford on Sunday and attended to his vocation (hair-
dresser) during the week. Some of the best families were always in attendance on
. these occasions. ... In stature Mr. Sanderson is somewhat above the medium
height, finely formed, well-developed head and a pleasing face, an excellent voice, which
he knows how to use. His gestures are correct without being studied and his sentences
always tell upon the audience. Few speakers are more happy in their delivery than he.
In one of the outbursts of true eloquence for which he is noted, we still remember the
impression made upon his hearers Tdien he explained 'Neither men nor governments
have a right to sell those of their roecies. Men and their liberties aTb neither purchas-
able nor salable. This is the law of nature which is obligatory on all men, at all times,
in all places.' "
One need not wonder at the unity of action of the pioneers of color in California,
when you consider such leadership among them as the subject of this sketch. He
never tired in the fight for justice for the race. In the East he had worked with those
of the "Underground Bailroad." Bev. Sanderson was not only interested in the edu-
cation and betterment of the race, but he saw to it that his own children were well-
educated. This resulted in his daughters teaching in the public schools of Califomia,
one in Oakland and another in VisaUa and also Bed Bluff.
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165
MRS. ARDELLA C. BUTLER
Social Leader.
HON. WALTER A. BUTLER
President Northern California Branch
National Association for the Advance-
ment of Colored People.
Wrestacres, suburban home of Hon. Walter A. Butler, of Oakland
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Google
166
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
IVIRS. HETTIE B. TILGHMAN
President California Federated
Colored Women's Clubs.
MRS. J. M. SCOTT
Distinguished Club Woman.
MRS. ALBERT LOGAN
Proprietor Tourist Hotel at
Santa Cruz.
MRS. A. C. HARRIS BILBREW
Elocutionist and* Poetess. ^
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OP CALIFORNIA 167
Bev. SanderBon was ordained as elder of the A. M. E. Chnreh by Bishop T. M. D;
War^ March 1, 1872, at Stockton, Calif omia. He was appointed pastor of the Shiloh
A. M. E. Ohuroh of Oakland in 1875. While returning home from prayer meeting one
eyeningy in crossing the Southern Pacific tracks he was killed by a local train. The
sadden taking away of so useful a colored citizen as Bev. Sanderson resulted in the
people throughout the State holding memorials in his honor and memory. The one
held in San Francisco was in Bethel Church, and Mr. WiUiam H. Hall, the silver-tongued
orator, was selected to give the oration. The L 'Overture Guards turned out in a body
and were officered by Captain B. J. Fletcher; first lieutenant, Joseph Harris; second
lieutenant, Charles H. Whitfield; secretary, W. J. Summers; treasurer, T. M. Watson;
financial secretary, J. T. Abrams.
The memorial exercises held in his memory in Oakland were at the Shiloh A. M. £•
Church. The following persons were appointed to draft resolutions of respect, a copy
of which were sent to the bereaved family. Abraham Gross, Cornelius Frances, Isaac
Flood, John Johnson, I. N. Tripplett, chairman protem; Isaac H. West, secretary. The
sketch and eulogy was delivered by William Powell. He left to mourn his passing a
devoted wife and a mother who lived to see the fourth generation of children of the
family. Bev. Sanderson also left the following children: Mary Sanderson-Grasses,
who is mentioned in ''Distinguished Women"; William Nell Sanderson, the only son,
who was given an excellent education aside from learning the trade of plasterer and
also barber. He was messenger to the sergeant at arms of the California Legislature
in 1884. He married Miss Julia Brown. Unfortunately his wife died, leaving a family
of six children, all small, but which he carefully reared and educated. His son, Jere-
miah B. Sanderson, is a clerk in the postoffice of Oakland. Harry B. Sanderson is clerk
in a hotel at Martinez. Arthur Sanderson, another son, was the first colored policeman
of Oakland.
Florence Sanderson-Wilson, the youngest daughter of Bev. Sanderson, was a delight-
ful lady, true and sincere, and as good as pure gold. She was an active worker in the
Fifteenth Street Church, a deaconess and superintendent of the Sunday-school primary
department for a number of years, a practical, Christian lady. She looked much like a
full-blood Gay-head Indian. She left a husband and daughter to mourn her passing,
which came suddenly in the summer of 1916.
Mrs. Sara Sanderson-Collins, another daughter, has the distinction of being the
only colored girl to graduate from the kindergarten school of San Francisco during
pioneer days. She graduated with honor from the Silva street school. Miss E^te Doug-
las, or rather at that time Miss Kate Spiiith, who is now Mrs. Kate Douglas- Wiggins, was
her principal. The closing exercises were held in Dashaway Hall, Post street, San
Francisco. After her graduation she was given a position as assistant teacher in the
same school. She also taught school in Yisalia and Bed Bluff. She afterward was
married to an eminent divine, the Bev. A. A. Collins^ of California, a native son, bom
in San Francisco. The union was blessed by the birth of several children, to whom
he gave the best college education as doctors of medicine and dentistry. The above
statement was received through the courtesy of Mrs. Wilson.
Bev. J. H. Hubbard, the subject of this sketch, was the son of Mrs. Ann Maria
Booth-Hubbard. He was educated at Oberlin College by his uncle, Mr. Edward Booth.
After his graduation he came to Califomia and joined the ministry of the A. M. B.
Church, under Bishop Ward, remaining in the California Conference until 1905, when
he went to Colorado, where he continued in the ministry until his demise in 1912, leaving
to mourn his passing three daughters and four sons: Mrs. Ida Williamson, Mrs. Ethel
Morrison, Mrs. E. Gordon, of Furlong Tract, near Los Angeles; Mr. Edward Hubbard,
an A. M. E. minister, and also James and Joseph Hubbard.
Bev. Simpson, coming from Clark University, Atlanta, Georgia, to Biverside, CaU-
fomia, for twenty-five years was missionary preacher of Southern California, during
which time he organized and built many churches in Bedlands, San Bernardino, Pomona
and Biverside. At the last named place he and his wife bought the lot for the church.
Bev. Simpson is a real ''Trail Blazer." While organizing and building these different
churches, he reared and educated a family of two girls and one son, namely, Walter J.,
Azalia, and Gussie. Mr. Simpson was elected by the Council of Biverside to the posi-
tion of head scavanger and contractor, having under his control three wagons. He
has filled this position with satisfaction for a number of years. He has a luge, com-
fortable, modem home situated at the foot of Mt. Bubidoux and fronting on Magnolia
avenue, one of the most picturesque drives in Biverside. His son, Walter J. Simpson,
during the past ten years has been engaged in farming at Blythe, Palo Verde Valley.
Califomia. Owning forty acres and acting as foreman in contracting and leveling and
eleaning up land for the owners, having under his control at one time fifty colored men
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168 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
working the delta country, contracting. A daughter, Mrs. Gussie Bimpson-Bacon (see
Music chapter).
Bev. T. A. McEachen, the subject of this sketch, was educated at Whiten 's Normal
school, Lomberton, North Carolina, and at Biddle University. He left school in 1886,
his eyes failing him, and in the spring of 1887 he came to California and united with
the A. M. E Church at San Francisco Conference. In 1888 he was licensed to preach
by the lamented Bishop Petty. He is one of the best known ministers on the Coast.
When the church was as yet in its infancy in this State, undaunted he trayeled from
one end to the other of the San Joaquin Valley, zealously laboring for the uplift of the
eanse. He was the organizer of the first colored church in the Sm Joaquin Valley, at
Fresno, California. For a number of years he was at the head of a colonization party
and would go into the heart of the South and conduct parties of colored people to Cali-
fornia and the San Joaquin Valley.
Bev. J. Logan Craw was bom in Navasota, Texas, November 21, 1874. With his
parents he left the State of Texas when scarcely five years of age and located in Parson,
Labetto County, Kansas. Here he received a high school education and graduated as
valedictorian of his class from Hobson Normal Institute, May 24, 1894. In September,
1895, he was elected as a teacher in the McKinley school in his home town, and for
several consecutive years held this position of honor and trust. In May, 1902, against
the will of the Board of Education, Professor Craw resigned as teacher to accept the
high calling of the ministry, having been thoroughly converted in the A. M. £. Church
at Parsons, Kansas, with the Bev. J. B. Bansom as pastor, at the age of nineteen years.
Some three years were devoted to preparations for the work of the ministry and under
Bishop Grant, at Omaha, Nebraska, September, 1904, he was admitted on trial to the
Kansas Annual Conference at Hutchinson. Bev. Craw was ordained by Bishop Grant
and began his active work in the pastorate assigned to the Olathe Circuit, Topeka
District, Kansas Conference. On October 8, 1909, Bev. Craw was ordained elder by
Bishops Grant and Lee, at Bethel A. M. E. Church, Leavenworth, Kansas. On July 1,
1911, Bev. Craw was married to Miss Lillian Jeltz, of Topeka, Kansas, a most successful
teacher and a consecrated Christian lady.
After having pastored very successfully two years in Emporia, the seat of Elansas
State Normal school, and two years in Lawrence, the seat of Kansas State University
school, Bev. Craw was transferred by Bishop H. B. Parks, presiding bishop of the Fifth
Episcopal District, in October, 1911, from the Kansas Conference to the Puget Sound
Conference, and stationed at Bethel A. M. E. Church, of Portland, Oregon. Here Bev.
Craw, aided by his brilliant wife, paid to the Church Extension Society in October, 1913,
the largest amount ever paid at any one timer in cash, viz., $2,085, a loan whidi had
been standing for sixteen years. The membership was tripled during the three years
of Bev. Craw's pastorate and one of the most modem and beautiful churches in the
Pacific Northwest nearly completed. Bev. and Mrs. Craw are now at Los Angeles,
where he is pastor of Historic Eighth and Towne Avenue Church.
The Declaration of Principles of the People's Independent Church of Christ reads
as follows:
''Bev. 21:8. — ^^ And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying. Behold the tabernacle
of God is with men and He will dwell with them, and they shaU be his people and God,
himself, shall be their Gk>d.'
"Now whereas. We, the members of the First Indei>endent Church sincerely devoted
with the warmest sentiment of Christian affection and duty, with minds deeply impressed
with duty first to God, deploring the present and impending misfortunes of our former
associations in the church militant, and having considered the same as naturally as time
will permit, do esteem it our duty to make the following declarations:
' ' (1) When in the course of human events it became necessary for the people to dis-
solve the bands which have connected them with' a certain reli^^ous dnomination and
to asstune a separate and equal station in Christian work to which the laws of God
and man entitle them, a decent respect to mankind requires that they riiould declare the
cause which impelled them to the separation:
" (2) We, the adherents of this Christian movement, divorced of human potentates,
rules and regulations repugnant to the best interests of our Christian lives, believe that
all governments instituted among men derive their just powers from the consent of the
governed, that whenever any form of religious denominalional government becomes
destructive to these ends, that it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and
constitute a reformation, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its
powers in snchi form as to tiiem is believed the safest vehicle to affect their Christian,
growth and happiness:
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OP CALIFORNIA 169
^'(8) We declare that we are actuated by the dictates of prudence, after long
suffering of abuse of power, position or station assumed by church potentates who dis-
regard the will of the people who created them, and upon whom they are dependent for
support, and we further declare that this act is prompted by no light or transient cause,
but from a long-increasing train of disregard of the will of the people by men in high
places, and that it is our religious right and duty to throw off such yoke for our Chris-
tian growth and for the ben^t of present and future generations, thereby freeing our-
selves from the greed and avariciousness of church despots.
'^(4) First of all, we invoke the blessing of Almighty God on this movement for
church freedom. We pray unto God for us and our successors forever, who have con-
firmed that this church shall forever be free from all demagogic or political rule what-
soever and shall keep its rights intact and its liberties uninfringed upon, that there shall
be freedom of the communicants in prayerfully directing the fSfairs of the church.
'^ (5) Inasmuch as for the sake of our God, and for the betterment of our Ohris-
tian lives, and for the more ready healing of the discord which has arisen between us
and the earthly church masters we have been serving, we here and now grant them our
forgiveness, wishing and praying that they may have peace and Christian growth,
working faithfully in the Master's vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men, such
as is the will and purpose of this congregation of men and women who believe in the
saving grace of our Lord and Master. We believe in the sovereignty of the will of
the people; that all preachers and officers are the servants of the people who have hon-
ored them with posts of duty in the house of God.
'' Whereas, therefore, we have herein published our action and the cause leading up
to the same, and having invoked the blessing and favor of Almighty God upon us,
pledging our allegiance, and our love and faithfulness to His service, with abiding faith
in ^8 promise that where a few of His believers are assembled in His name He would
be in their midst, to own and bless them, we do declare ourselves the 'Independent
Church of Christ of Los Angeles, California,' and pray God to have mercy upon our souls.
''We here and now make known to all Christians and to the people at large that
we welcome you to services in which there shall be no discrimination against those who
profess to love and serve the one living and true God, everlasting, without body or
parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness; the maker and perserver of all things
visible and invisible and in unity of this God-head there are three persons, of one sub-
stance, power and eternity— the FATHEB, the SON and the HOLY GHOST.
"We believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and earth, and in
Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, bom of
the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third
day He arose from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of
God, the Father Almighty, from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
"We believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
"^e foregoing declarations were unanimously adopted by the congregation assem-
bled Sunday, October 28, 1915.
"Resolution: Be it Resolved, That the chairman and secretary be, and they are
hereby authorised to tender the Pastorate of the First Independent Church to Rev.
N. P. Greggs, of the City of Los Angeles, California.
"Adopted:
"J. H. Shaokiliobd,
"President of OrganiBoUan.
"Respectfully submitted:
"P. J. Alexander
"Mrs. B. B. Prentice
"F. H. Crumbly
"G. W. Whitley
"Mrs. L. E. C. Shaffer^
"Committee."
This church represents the members who left the Historic Eighth and Towne Ave-
niie Church of Los Angeles in 1915. For a while they were known as "The Faithful
Forty-nine," since there were just that number who united and finally organized. For
two years they worshipped in halls, but finally erected a church edifice at Eighteenth
and Paloma streets. They have annual conference meetings at which the presidents
of the different boards report to the people the spiritual and financial condition of the
ehureh. Each section of the city has been divided into districts to look after the
spiritual and financial growth of the ehureh. They have a mfii^^^^^p/^j^f^^i^^fi^^^xm'
170 THE NEGRO TBAIL BLAZERS
dredB and a splendid ehoir. It is a xmited, liye, spiritnal, working ehnreh of the people
and for the people. The services are always refreshing, in that Bev. Greggs is evaa-
gelieal, has a wonderful command of langnage, is a splendid orator and a Christiaa
gentleman.
Bey. N. P. Greggs, pastor of the People's Independent Chnrch of Christ, was
reared and receiyed Ms high school education in Ck>lambia, Tennessee. It was whUB
he was attending the A. and M. College, located at Normal, Alabama, that the Bt. Bev.
Charles Todd, q^tard bishop of Tennessee Episcopal Church, discovered that the sub-
ject of this sketch was an exceptionally fine student, and would, as he thought, make a
great Episcopalian priest. Through the recommendation of this bishop the diocese
decided to educate thia color^ed lad. They paid all his expenses and sent him as a daj
student first to Fiske University and then to Hoffman Institute, to study theology.
The latter school is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and represents the Episcopal Church.
After his graduation he served for a time in the Episcopal Church in the South,
but finding that his work was not reaching the masses of the people, whom he believed
he could save, he resigned his charge. Notwithstanding he had been reared and edu-
cated in the Episcopal Church, his determination was so great to serve the masses that
he joined the A. M . E. Church Conference of Tennessee, in 1903. Hei pastored for a
time in Tennessee, East Tennessee and the California Conferences. It was because of
his desire to serve where the harvest would be great and the fields full and ready for
the word of the Master that he subordinated the will of the bishop of the CaUfomia
Conference and refused the appointment to go to Ban Diego in 1915. The People's
Independent Church of Christ extended him a call to serve as pastor in October, 1915.
Since his acceptance of the pastorate of this flock they have built a great edifice at a
cost of $35,000 and in one single collection at a recent rally they collected in money
the sum of $4,200.
The Bev. W. T. Cleghom is a native of the Islands of St. Kitts, British West Indies,
where he received his earliest education. Winning a scholarship in St. George 's School,
of that Island, he entered Lady Mico College, St. John, Antigus, and graduated there in.
1899. He was successively appointed principal of St. John's and St. George's Schools,
and later served as assistant principal in the Frederiksted high school (1902-1905), in
the island of St. Croix, Danish West Indies, now owned by America. Here he entered
the ministry, and came to the United States in 1905, taking his A. B. degree at Oska-
loosa College, Iowa.
He was ordained deacon in 1908 and priest in 1909 by the Bt. Bev. William N.
Brown, D. D., bishop of Arkansas, in which State he organized several missions, chief
among thenn being St. Mary's, Hot Springs, and St. Andrews, Pine Bluff. He came to
the diocese of Los Angeles, under orders of the Bt. Bev. Joseph N. Johnson, D. D., and
organized a mission and erected the first church edifice west of Denver for colored
churchmen. He is now priest in charge of this church, and is also actively interested
in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as an executive
member, and in the Y. M. C. A. work as one of the directors, as well as in other institu-
tions for the progress and welfare of his people.
The following additional history concerning the organization of St. Phillip's
Church (Episcopal) is quoted from The New Age Magaeine: ''St. Phillip's Church
had its birth about three years ago in the house number 1428 East Fourteenth street, this
city (still standing). When Archdeacon Marshall organized a Sunday-school and asked
Mr. E. S. Williams of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews, a man entirely without race
prejudice, to lend his support in reaching the colored people of the city, a conference
was soon called at St. Mark's Church, ionong others interested in the missionary work
of the church as well as in these people were Mrs. Janivier, Mrs. Burr, Bev. F. N.
Bugbee, Archdeacon Marshall presiding and Mr. Williams acting as secretary. Scott's
Hall, 564 Central avenue, was rented, and services were held every Sunday morning and
evening as a result of this meeting. This arrangemept continued for a year or more,
and to secure the permanence of the work the bishop, after several months of inquiry
and deliberation, called the present clergyman, the Bev. W. T. Cleghom, who arrived
February 1, 1910, to be priest in charge. With wide experience in the work, he quickly
took hold of the situation, negotiated for a valuable lot, and by prompt action and
systematic plans secured a loan of $1,000 from the bishop and enough in subscriptions
from members and friends to erect the present church (chapel). On October 9, 1910,
the first choral mass with vested choir was sung. The outlook for this church among
our people is very bright. The priest in charge says: 'It is a star in its ascendancy.' **
There is one ministerial Trail Blazer to whom the writer must not forget to give
befitting mention, namely, the late Bev. John Pointer, who came to San Francisco,
California, in the early sixties. He secured a position on the SflMsramimtp^^y^.^oats
OF CALIFORNIA 171
MB steward. In 1877, he became united with Bethel Church, of San Francisco, and served
as leader of the choir in this church and superintendent of the Sunday-school in Zion
Church, that citj. In 1887, he became a local preacher in San Francisco, and took
charge as pastor in the A. M. E. Church, at Los Angeles, under Bishop Grant, thence
to St. Andrews, of Sacramento, for flye years, building the parsonage and paying for
it, after which he was promoted to presiding elder by Bishop Wesley Gkdns. He held
charges at various times in Oakland, Fresno, Stockton and Marysville.
He was superannuated in 1909, and passed to his reward, well beloyed and highly
respected by all who knew him, on the morning of January 2nd, 1917. The funeral was
held the following Sunday and lasted four hours. Ministers from all oyer the State of
California attended and paid homage to this grand saint of Gk>d.
There are many Baptist ministers who have been "Trail Blazers" in this State.
Among this number Bey. Allen leads the list as haying served as missionary worker for
the Baptist faith for over thirty years, during which time he has done some very good
work. Bev. Hawkins, of Oakland, and also Bev. Dennis, of San Francisco, have done
some wonderful work in the State for the development of the race as well as the saving
of souls.
The Bev. David B. Wallace was bom in Cleveland, Ohio, September 30, 1878. He
attended the schools of Cleveland, Milwaukee, and Chicago. After graduating from
the old South Division high school, Chicago, he entered the summer school of the Uni-
versity of Chicago. The inspiration to study for the ministry came to him ati this time
as a fulfillment of the wish of his deceased mother, and he entered the Western Theo-
logical Seminary, Chicago, from which he graduated in 1901. He was ordained a deacon
in Jvlj of that year and, going to NashvUle, Tennessee, where he was proctor of Hoff-
man Hall and in charge of the local church, was ordained priest in 1902.
He was called to Boston shortly thereafter to assist the Cowley Fathers at St.
Augustine's Church, where he remained until 1908. Going again to Tennessee, he
started a mission in. Chattanooga, and took charge in Columbia. He then was called
to assist at St. Thomas' Church, Chicago, where he remained a year. In July, 1911, he
was called to St. Augustine's Hd&ssion, Oakland, California, where he is now engaged in
leading a splendid congregation of 145 souls in the building of an edifice to cost $6,000.
So efficient has been the work of this congregation that the bishop has just paid the
mortgage on the property as a token of appreciation. Bev. Wallace has always found
time to aid in all community activities, and was four years vice-president of the North-
em California branch, N. A. A. C. P.
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CHAPTER XV
Education
While statesmen were passing laws to retard the progress of the pioneer Negroes
of California, thej never for a moment considered that the Negroes were planning and
striving to improve their mentality and become good citizens when the time eame for
them to be admitted as sneh. This calls to mind an editorial the writer once read in the
Lo9 AngeHes Times from the pen of Mr. John Stevens MoCJroartj, author of the '^ Mis-
sion Play." The paper is the largest published on the Pacific Coast, and, as a special
feature commemorating the hundredth birthday anniversary of the martyred President,
Abrahan^ Idncoln, on February 12, 1909, devoted eight pages of the paper to colored
writers. Each article was written by some one who was a master in his or her line,
and would tend to show the progress of the colored race in Southern California. Mr.
McGroarty at the time ivas on the editorial staff of the Los Angeles Titnes, and was
assigned the duty of writing an introduction to this special feature, explaining it to
the reading public. It is with a great degree of pleasure that the writer quotes from
this just and humanitarian editori^, which is as follows:
''When out of ehaos earth was hurled
And Gk>d's great mandate spread;
When he made the races to fill the world,
Yellow and white and red, —
There was one made black, and the other three.
Seeing him, asked to know
Whence from what darkness cometh he
And whither doth he gof
"What is the destiny of the American Negro f Whither does he gof Is he to
survive, or is he to be ground between the upper and nether millstones of time to be
blown as dust by the winds of fate; to disappear as the American Indian is disappearing,
and as many another race has disappeared since the world began f It is a timely ques-
tion to ask on this the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln,
the great emancipator. . . . Men will answer this question each in his own way,
according to his faith in the Negro or his prejudices against him. No one ever seems
to think it worth while to ask the Negro himself for an answer. The Times, however,
does think it worth while, and has accordingly invited the Negro people of Los Angeles
and Southern CaUfomia and the great Negro leader, Booker T. Washington, to speak
for themselves. This they have done through the columns of the Times this momin|^.
. . . As a rule the white man's knowledge of the Negro is superficial. We know
our brothers in black only from meeting them on the highways or the jokes that are
printed about them in the comic papers. Some times our impressions are gained from
none too friendly sources, from those who hate the Negro blindly and without reason."
What a world of thought this editorial arouses in every self-respecting Negro, for
we know better than any one else. We are more often judged unjustly than otherwise.
We are hated, as Mr. McGroarty says, '< blindly and without reason." It was thus
when the pioneer Negroes were struggling to obtain an education in California. The
struggle was d^cult, but they believed in the saying of Daniel Webster, who said:
''Were I so tall that I could reach from pole to pole and grasp creation in my span; I
still must be measured by my soul. The mind's the standard of the man." In order
to develop the mind one must have an education.
The First public school in CaUfomia was made mention of as a public school in
San Francisco, and is recorded in Bancroft's history of California, which reads: "The
first public sdhool after the American occupation was established in San Francisco.
The number of persons in June, 1847, under twenty years of age were 107, of that num-
ber 56 were of school age. On the 24th of September of that yeaii the town council
appointed a committee consisting of William, A. Leidsdorif, William Clark and William
Glover to take measures for the establishing of| a public school. A school house was
erected on Portsmouth Square dignified by the name of Public Institute, and on the
3rd of April, 1848, a school house was opened by Thomas Douglass, a Yale graduate,
who received a salary of $1,000 a year. From this beginning has grown, with some
interruptions, the public school system of California."
Mr. Bancroft, in another chapter, in speaking of the life of Captain William Leids-
dorff, says: "He was a mulatto, the offspring of a Dane by a mulattress." Jacob
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OP CALIFORNIA 173
Wright Harlan, in hii "California from 1840 to 1888," in speaking of Captain Leids-
dorir, says: "He had a dash of Negro blood." Thns the first public school in Cali-
fornia had as a committeeman in its organisation a. person with a dash of Negro blood
in his veins. The dash of Negro blood did not in those days count against a man, for
more than one writer of pioneer times in Gidif omia mentioned Mr. Leidsdorff in the
highest terms, neyer failing to mention the "dash of Negro blood."
The colored population in San Francisco did not attend the public schools until
1854, notwithstanding the annals of Ban Francisco, in recording the census for the State
of California for the year 1853, gives the number of Negroes as 2,000, and of that
number 1,500 lived in San Francisco. The State had been admitted into the Union as
a free State. The colored people, however, were anxious for an education. Throu^^
the courtesy of the family of Bev. J. B. Sanderson, who was a teacher of pioneer days
in Ban Francisco, the writer has been permitted to quote from his diaries concerning
the history of the colored schools in San Francisco for the year 1854.
"Something of the history of the colored schools in Ban Francisco for the year
1854. This school was first opened May 22, 1854; under the superintendency of William
0. Grady. It was located on the comer of Jackson and Virginia place in the basement
of the St. Cyprian A. M. E. Church. The annual report of the school board of educa-
tion in San Francisco, for the year 1854, presented to the Common Council September
1, 1854, the following: 'A school for the colored population of our city has been estab-
liBhed. It is located at the comer of Jackson and Virginia street, in the basement of the
8t. Cyprian Methodist Episcopalian Church. The patrons of the church have raised
the building and fitted it up for a school. The lower room, which is eleven feet high
and fifty by twenty-five feet surface, is well lighted, ventilated and has its waUs hard-
iinished. This we have leased for one year, with the privilege of two years, at the
monthly rental of fifty dollars, payable monthly in advance. Mr. J. J. Moore (colored)
ia the teacher. The school commenced on the 22nd of May, with 23 pupils. It now has
44 pupils registered. It has been thus far conducted quite satisfactorily and bids fair
to be prosperous.' (N. B.) — Mr. Moore had taught a private^ schooL Mr. William O.
Grady was principal of the Bineon Point school one year and a half. He was appointed
superintendent of the public schools of San Francisco October 25, 1853."
The writer has been unable to find a record of the colored school after the one just
quoted until the report as recorded in the Municipal Beports of San Francisco, begin-
ning 1859 and 1860. In the school reports for this year the following appears: "J. B.
Sanderson, teacher; number of pupils, 100; average attendance, 39. Primary report for
1861: The same teacher; 88 pupils; daily average, 42; primary class, 60; grammar, 50
pupils. The board of education in its report for 1863-4 and 5 speaks of a new building
for the colored children.
"During the year three new school buildings have been erected in San Francisco;
one on Broidway, for the colored children. The lot on which the colored school stands
has 693% feet on Broadway and a depth of 91% feet. The lot cost $600. The building
ia frame, one-storied, and divided into two recitation rooms each 28 feet by 32 feet,
with ceiling 15 feet in the clear; separate halls and clothes rooms are provided for each
sex. The lading is well lighted and ventilated. The building and fence cost $4,435,
and the furniture, which is of the improved style, $498. The colored children richly
deserve their present comfortable and neat school-house after having continued unmur-
muringly for many years in their former squalid, dark and unhealthy quarters. ' '
This new school required the appointment of an additional teacher, and in the
report for the year 1864 and 1865 the following appears: "J. B. Sanderson, principal;
Mrs. Precilla Stewart as teacher." The report for the year 1861 showed the method
employed by the school board of San Francisco to obtain the very best teachers for the
schools of that city. "The boara of education strives by subjecting candidates foi
positions as teachers! to a rigid examination of their natural and acquired abilities and
by offering a fair pecuniary compensation for services rendered to secure the best pro-
fesrtonal talent in the State for the education of the youths of the city." In the report
for the year 1863 and 1864, the following appears: "By an act of the Legislature,
Negroes and Mongolians and Indians are excluded from the public schools, although
the penalty for admitting them to the schools for the whites has recently been abolished
and a more ample provision has been made for their education in separate schools."
The report for 1865 and 1866: "The Broadway school was taught by B. D. Simmonds,
with Mrs. Washburn primary assistant. Fifth street school, J. B. Sanderson, teacher;
length of time in the department, eight years. Colored school in San Francisco for the
year 1868 and 1869: One principal, one assistant and one probation teacher; first grade
pupils registered, 161; attendance, 98; Mrs. Georgia Washbum, Mrs. H. F. Byers, Miss
Adrianna Beers. The report for 1869, colored school, located northeast comer Taylor
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174 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
and Vallejo itreets: Pupils registered, 68; average attendance, 26; Mias Georgia Waall-
bom, teaeher."
The first colored class to graduate in the colored schools of San Francisco was
under J. B. Sanderson. This class began its first instruction under the same teacher
during his term of teaching in Sacramento and previous to his accepting the position in
the San Francisco schols. The names of the first San Francisco colored graduates were:
Mary Whittaker, Oomithea Johnson, Ella Dorsey and Lucy CaulwelL The last named
afterward married Mr. Dizard and still lives in Oakland, California. This class while in
Sacramento was taught, after Mr. Sanderson, by J. B. Handy and Peter PoweU.
The following is a partial list of names of pupils of J. B. Sanderson while he tan^t
in San Francisco, some of whom are still living and are the heads of highly respected
families: Bell Freeman, M. A. A. Drew, William Nell Sanderson, Addle HaU, M. £. J.
Bolmer, M. A. Alberger, William M. Blake, Madge Yosburge, A. Grubbs, Alice Beams,
Louise Bryant, Evdine Evans, Elsie Brown, Lucinda Bryant, Lenna Haws, Sara Brown,
Josephine Miles, Mrs. M. J. Johnson, Ella Wells, Mary Groesbeck, Lauretta Southers,
Florence Brown, Lanra Millen, Clara Shorter, Claress Waters, George Shepard, Smra
Carroll, George Fletcher, Henry XJndly, Mrs. Keithly, Frank Ewing, Martha Green,
Edward Yantes, Isaac Washington, Frederick Sparrow.
The first colored school in Sacramento was commenced by Mrs. Elizabeth Thorn
Scott, May 29, 1854. Through* the courtesy of her daughter, Mrs. Lydia Flood-Jackson,
the following has been copied from her school register: "Elizabeth Thorn Scott com-
menced school for the promotion of colored children, May 29, 1854, Second street between
M and N streets, Sacramento, CaUf omia. Names of the pupils were George Booth,
Lauretta J. Bryson, Edward Yantes, Mrs. Mary Ann Burns, Laura M. Luckett, Bichmrd
Brown, lliomas Allen, Cornelius Campbell, George Waters, Beubin Johnson, Alice
Mitchell, Chesterfield Woodson, Abraham Goodlow, Frederick Sparrow."
Their teacher, Mrs. Scott, after the first year, became the bride of Mr. Isaac Flood.
The school was then for months without a teacher. The colored people in Sacramento
on August 7, 1854, organized the first public school established for colored children in
Sacramento in the A. M. E. Church on Seventh streeti and employed Mrs. Scott as the
teacher at a salary of $50 per month.
"The colored school committee for school number one: Dennis Brown, Abraham
Simpson, John L. Wilson, William Hall, Moses Bodgers, William Bobinson, Mrs. Yantee
and J. B. Sanderson, raised through subscription the money with which to purchase the
lot and house in which Mrs. Elizabeth Thorn Scott opened the first private school for
colored children and dedicated it to the education of colored youth."
Some time after Mrs. Scott married, the school committee decided to employ Mr. J.
B. Sanderson as the teacher and re-open the schooL The following has been quoted
from his diaries: " Sacramento, Calif omia, April 20, 1855. Today I opened a school for
colored children. The necessity for this stop is evident. There are thirty or more
colored children in Sacramento of proper age to attend school and no school provided
for them by the board of education. They must no longer be neglected, left to grow
up in ignorance, exposed to all manner of evil influences, with the &nger of contracting
i&e and vicious habits. A school they must have. I am induced to undertaJce thia
enterprise by the advice of friends and the solicitation of parents. I can do but little,
but with God's blessing I will do what I can."
Mr. Sanderson, realizing that the colored children were entitled to a public school,
sent a letter to the board of education of Sacramento, asking them to assist in main-
taining or establishing a school for the colored children. His letter is really a history of
the struggle the colored people were then making in an effort to have a school for their
children. The letter is as follows:
"To the Honorable Board of Education of Sacramento, California.
Gentlemen: Allow me to call your attention to the subject of the school for colored
children in Sacramento. This school has been operated now about thirteen months,
having been commenced on the eighteenth day of April, 1855. I will briefly state its
history: At the time it was commenced no provision whatsoever had been made by our
city authorities for the education of colored children, so that this school was started
necessarily as a private school. In March, 1855, the grand jury recommended the estab-
lishing of a fund for the support of a school for colored children. In consequence of
that recommendation and the advice of several friends of education, the undersigned
presented a communication to the board of education, soliciting the attention of the
members to the subject. They at once took the matter under advisement, favored an
appropriation and bdd the question before the Common Council for its action and
approvaL After some delay, on the 21st of October, 1854, the Common Council passed
an ordinance authorising the board to make such appropriation as they might .deem
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OP CALIFORNIA 175
necessary for the support of one sehool or more for the colored children in Sacramento.
Funds were exceedingly scarce; it was only with great difficulty the board could meet
the expense of their own schools; they could do notiiing for us.
''But in February, 1855, the board yoted to appropriate $50 toward the support of
our school for the last quarter of the term in office. Besides this, for the last three
months, a few of the colored parents, seeing the difficulty surrounding the school, haye
resumed the responsibility of paying the teacher of the children $40 per month, which
sum they haye raised by contribution among themselyes. This is briefly the history of
the colored schools in Sacramento. Mr. Edward Knight, the school census marshal,
stated in December, 1854, that in taking the census of school children in Sacramento
(thou^ not authorized to include colored) he had ascertained incidently that there were
over eighty colored children in Sacramento. The school kept by the undersigned has
numbered 30 pupils during the past two months, and twen^-two has been the lowest
number of children at any time for the last month. The number of children is
increasing; the necessity for a permanent public sehool grows more imperative.
''(Gentlemen, you haye just been elected the board of education for .the City of
Sacramento. The parents of the colored children appeal to you; they respectfully and
eAmestly ask your attention to the school for their children. They ask you to take it
under your protection and patronage and to continue such appropriation for its support
as in your wisdom and liberality may seem required to make it permanent and effi^ent
for the training of their children's minds, than whom they know none need instruction
more than those children that they may become upright and worthy men and women.
Bespectfully submitted in behalf of the colored parents of Sacramento, California,
by the teacher of the colored school.
"J. B. Sandsbson.
"July 10, 1855."
The board of education acted upon the letter sent to it by Mr. Sanderson and
decided to take oyer the colored school, whereupon the teacher, Mr. Sanderson, sent
them another letter. The board of education at that date was composed of the following
gentlemen: F. Tucker, superintendent; ex-Mayor B. P. Johnson, John F. Morse, H.
Houghton, J. N. Hatch, G. W. Wooly and G. Wiggins.
Mr. Suiderson's second letter to the board of education was to ask permission to
stand the examination for the position as the teacher of the colored school. He was
examined and having met the requirements was employed as the teacher. The board of
education of Sacramento built for the colored children a new school house in May, 1856,
The writer has no record of the colored school from that date until 1865, but an old
history of Sacramento of that date gives the following account of the colored schools:
^'Sacramento, 1865. Colored boys and girls of school age, 92; colored school teacher,
Mrs. Julia Folger, principal. School located on Fifth street between N and O (brick),
47 pupils. Sacramento, 1868. Colored school, William H. Crowell, principal; Miss Annie
M. Yantes, assistant; located between H and Tenth streets; number of pupils, 55.
Sacramento, 1869. The following pupils passed a satisfactory examination and were
recommended to the high school: Mary Owens, Ernest Small, Bobert Small, Tiracy
Mooris, Natty Christopher, Hiram Jones; the teacher, Miss Anbury.
''In August, 1873, Miss Sariv Jones was given a position as teacher in the colored
schools (M street school). Shortly afterward, when the schools became mixed, she
was appointed as the principal and retained this position until her retirement in 1915.
Miss Jones is a graduate of Oberlin College, in Ohio."
The colored people in San Jose were anxious to obtain an education and, like all
the other cities then in California, they had to struggle to have schools tor the colored
children. Nothing daunted the courage of the colored people in the fight for an educa-
tion. They at all times were able to accomplish their desires. There were only a few
colored people then living in San Jose. Even so they were desirous of educating their
children. Through the efforts of Bev. Peter Cassey a private school was opened, but it
needed money for furnishings. It seemed that the colored people were always able to
solicit the assistance of some loyal white person in any undertaking. Their friend on
this occasion was Professor Higgins, the music teacher of the white school. He offered
to teach the colored children music and give a concert in the town hall. Among the
pieces he taught the children; was "Marching Through Georgia." The city band, at
the hour of the concert, was playing on the plaza and caught thd strains, resulting in
the town hall not being able to accomodate the crowd. The sum of two hundred dollars
was raised at the concert.
This school was organized by Bev. Peter Cassey in 1861. The gentleman was the
rector of Christ Episcopal Church for colored, located in San Francisco. Many of his
parishioners sent their children to his school, which was private boarding school for the
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176 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
higher edaeation of colored youths. The following statement by Bey. Oassey setting
forth the objeet and aim of the sehool has been eopied from an old copy of The Bl&fMiior
of that period: ''The design is to establish a high sehool for colored children. This is
a public good which all must acknowledge is one of the necessities of the age. I asik
the assistance and co-operation of alL Board and tuition per term of four weeks, $16
to $20. All the English branches and vocal music without extra charge. Piano or
melodian, with the use of instrument, per month, $6."
This school afterward, through the organization of a conyention of colored citizens,
was given prestige and financial support of a large number of race-loving people living
in the San Joaquin Valley. It was given the name of ''Phoenizonia Institute of San
Jose, California." This convention met in San Jose December 11, 1863. The names
prominently mentioned in connection with it were the following: Bev. Peter Cassey,
William Smith, James Floyd, S. J. Marshall, A. Bristol, A. J. White and G. A. Smith.
This convention met every year, and at one of their meetings held in San Jose, July 31,
1867, the following resolutions were passed setting forth their position in regard to the
education of colored youths on the Pacific Coast:
"Whereas, The convention of colored citizens of California, caUed by The Phoenix-
onia Institute, having assembled in San Jose, July 31, 1867, to consider the subject of
education, industrial pursuits and the elective franchise; and Whereas, Education means
improvement; improvement is the guiding of the Deity; to whom is improvement more
desirable or more necessary than to those who from long oppression are just merging
into the light of liberty; and Whereas, The education of oni^ people as a man has been
sadly overlooked, owing to a variety of causes, and as this convention has for one of
its objects the educational interest of the rising generation, therefore, be it
"Besolved, That we endeavor by every means within our reach to carry out its
designs, that we devote our time and our means and be prepared to make any sacrifice
consistent with our circumstances to elevate our people in this particular. Besolved,
That the facilities for the education of the colored children on the Pacific Coast are not
in proportion to our necessities; and with a view to elevate them we will build upon the
foundation already laid in this city, San Jose, until its educational advantages diall be
fully equal to our necessities and will compare favorably with the best."
The Stockton colored public school was taught by J. B. Sanderson. He resigned
from the San Francisco colored schools at the spring term, 1868, and went to Stockton,
where he established, through the assistance and co-operation of other race-loving men,
a school for colored children. Mr. Sanderson's reputation as a teacher was so well-
known that colored people sent their children from all parts of the State to be tutored
by him. Among the out-of-town pupils who attended the colored Stockton school was
Bobert C. Owens, of Los Angeles, and Byron and Walter Bowen, of San Bernardino.
These students today are a fair example of the careful instruction given by Mr. Sander-
son, because they are both successful business men, well respected by all. Mr. Owens
is one of the very best financiers of the race in California, if not the wealthiest.
The colored people were sincere in any movement that would assist them to improve
their mentality. While the members of the race were perfecting plans for the success
of the institute in San Jose, those Uving in San Francisco were organizing a plan by
which at some future date they hoped to have even a better institution or college.
They planned not to have their project spoiled for the lack of funds, hence they decided
that tiiey would not open this college until they had a certain sum of money. They
aimed so high that they were never able to carry out their plans and, after a period of
ten years, they had a meeting and returned to the stockholders their money. The fol-
lowing quotation from an old copy of the EleviLtar will more fully explain their
workings:
".The meetings to organize the Livingston Institute were held in the vestry of the
A. M. E. Church, in San Francisco. Among the names prominently mentioned in con-
nection with the project were: Barney Fletcher, who was elected president; J.J. Moore,
financial secretary and traveling secretary. The trustees were John A. Barber, William
Hall, James Sampson, William Bingold, D. W. Buggies, and W. H. Carter. At a
special meeting of the board of trustees of the Livingston Institute held at num-
ber 54, Merchants Exchange, San Francisco, January 7, 1873, they decided to return
the money to the stockholders, since the conditions had so changed the Institute was
no longer needed. They returned the money contributed with 132 per cent interest.
N. Gray, H. H. Collins, B^ T. Houston, Peter Anderson, B. F. Houston, John A. Barber,
S. D. Simmonds, trustees."
The Marysville colored school was established by Bev. Bandolph, who was assisted
by Miss Waiiiington, who was the first colored child bom in Marysville and had been
sent by her parents to Canada to be educated.
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OP CALIFORNIA 177
Chieo colored sehool was organized by Peter Powers.
Nevada Countyy Calif omiay colored school, as giyen in Bean's History of Nevada
County: "A bnil&ig was purchased last fall on Pme street for the colored school, and
liaa been fitted up for the purpose. This school was opened on the first of January,
1860; G. A. Cantine, teacher; number of pupils, 18; averageii attendance, 14."
''Grass Valley Township, Nevada Ck>unty. There is made mention of an African
Methodist church in 1854, and speaks of the trustees during the past year erecting a
small but comfortable school house on the church lot, the trustees of the church forming
a society for the purpose of erecting this schooL Bev. Peter Green, the pastor, and the
following named persons: Isaac Banks, James Thomas, John Hicks, Harry Blackburn,
Isaac BiSmer."
The Bed Bluif colored school was taught by Miss Sara Brown, daughter of John
Brown, of Harper's Perry fame, and a Mr. Craven taught a colored school in the country
out from Bed Bluif. It was very difiicult for the children to drive out from Bed Bluff
during the rainy season to attend school. Through the united effort of the well-known
colored citizens of Bed Bluff, Mr. A. J. Logan, William Bobinson, and P. D. Logan, they
succeeded in calling the attention of the school board to that section of the State school
laws which read: ''Section 58. Where there shall be in any district any number of >
children other than white children whose education cannot be provided for in any other
way, the trustees, by a majority vote, may permit such children to attend schools for
white children, provided that a majority of the parents of the children attending such
school make no objection in writing to be filed with the board of trustees." The board
recognized this law and, there being no objection, Miss Clara Logan, a colored pupil,
was enabled to continue her studies in the Bed Bluff high school, graduating in the
pioneer class.
Afterward she. stood the county examination and passed, and the board of education
appointed her to teach in the school with Miss Sara Brown. This student today is a
well-known society matron and charity worker among her people in San Francisco.
The writer refers to Mrs. Frazier. Attending the Bed Bluff colored school at the same
time Miss Clara Logan attended were her sisters and brothers, namely, James and
Thomas Logan, Clara, Will and Ella Bobinson; also Miss Laura Bobinson, who today
la Mrs. Albert Tooms, a prominent lady in San Francisco.
The first colored school in Alameda County, California, was organized as a private
school by Mrs. Elizabeth Thorn Scott-Flood. She opened a school for colore^ children
about 1857, in the old Carpenter school house, comer of Seventh and Market streets,
Oakland. This school had been used for white children, but, becoming crowded, they
built them a new building, after the completion of which this colored lady was aUowed
to use the abandoned building for a colored school. Among\ her first pupils was a lady
by the name of Miss Lyncholm, who lived in Oakland and still is a resident of the
county. Her present name is Mrs. Walter Edmonds.
The first public school for colored children was opened under the California statutes
of 1865 and 1866, page 398, which read: "An Act to provide for a* system of common
schools, Section 56. Any board of trustees or board of education, by a majority vote,
may admit into any public school half-breed Indian children and Indian cUldren who
live in white families or under guardianship of white people.
"Section 57. Children of African or Mongolian descent and Indian children not
living under the care of white people shall not be admitted into public schools except
as provided in this act, provided that upon the written application of the parents or
guardians of at least ten such children to any board of trustees or board of education
a separate school shall be established for the education of such children, and the educa-
tion of a less number may be provided for in separate schools or in any other manner.
The same laws, rules and regiUations which apply to schools for white school children
shidl apply to schools for colored children." Under this law the trustees of the public
schools of Oakland opened a school for colored children in the old Manning house,
located in Brooklyn. This district is now known as East Oakland. This house is now
owned by Mr. WUds.
The first public colored school had as its first teacher Miss Mary J. Sanderson. She
was considered a very good and kind teacher, much beloved by her pupils. The writer
had the pleasure recently of reviewing a program rendered by her pupUs at the closing
exercises held at Shattuck Hi^. It seemed that nearly every child in her school was
on the program, and, as she told the writer, she could not bear the thought of slighting
any little one. This lady is just as thoughtful of others today and stiU manifests the
same kindly spirit. Miss Mary J. Sanderson taught the colored school in Oakland until
the parents of the colored children began to move from the district. They were com-
pelled to go where the heads of the ffl^iilies could make the biji||^|^^|^^^^J^^^sf^ce
178 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
ofQAlly wms too far for the children to attend the colored schooL The Uw required that
there most be at least ten children attending any colored school to remain open. After
the removal out of the district of the families of Lewis Whiting, J. P. Djer, and Isaae
Flood, they practicaUy emptied the district and forced the closing of the colored schooL
But it also robbed their children of the priYilege of attending another school, on aceonnt
of their color, and the distance compelled them to give up the idea of even trying to
attend the colored schooL
The parents of these children were not desirous of raising their children in igno-
rance, and appealed to the board of education of Oakland, asking the admittance of
their children into the Oakland school nearest to the different families. The follovring
is quoted from the 8ctn Francisco BvUetin, under date of October 5, 1871:
"Oakland public school matter. Colored school room wanted. A breeze has been
sprung in peaceful Oakland on the question of admitting colored children into the
public schools. There is no school set apart for them. A few have been admitted to one
of the spools, and some of the parents of the white children have withdrawn their
children on that account. The superintendent of the schools has brought the matter
before the board of education to have the matter settled. The board discussed the
matter and finally refused to adopt the following resolution which was presented by one
of its members:
" 'Whereas, The parents of certain colored children residing in Oakland ask that
their children be admitted to the public schools of this city, and whereas, there are not
within the bounds of the city a sufficient number of such colored children to require the
establi^unent) of a separate class for colored children as required by law of this State; •
and whereas, the school laws of this State expressly prohibit the admission of sach
children into the classes as now organised in the department; Besolved, That the saper-
intendent be instructed to refuse admission to any colored children applying for admis-
sion to the schools as now organized in conformity with the law of this State.' This
refusal to adopt goes for nothing, however, as the next action of the board was to
instruct the superintendent to fiunish to aU the teachers a copy of the new manual,
with instructions to havei it strictly followed: Section 97 of the Manual reads: 'The
education of children of African, Mongolian or Indian descent shall be provided for in
accordance with the California school laws.' ''
In commenting on the action of the board of education in regard to admitting
colored children to the public schools the editor of the Pacific Appe^ said editorially:
"We will here state that the colored citizens will be compelled ere long to take this
whole public school question before a State or United States court; to have their chil-
dren driven from the( free schools in each county for which they are taxed in common
with other citizens to suport is becoming unbearable, and the sooner a test case is made
in one of the courts of some county the better, even if it has to be followed up to the
Supreme court of the United States for a final decision. There is no State in the Union
which has such mean proscriptions against school privileges for colored children as at
present exist in this State, where, at the best, nothing higher has been allotted to them
than isolated primary schools."
The colored pioneers were very patient in their suffering, but when they finally did
decide to act, they organized, and no army of soldiers ever worked in more unison than
they. They decided to caU a convention, the proceedings of which are quoted from the
Pacific Appeal:
"District Educational Convention, Stockton, November 20, 1871. Pursuant to pre-
vious notice, colored citizens met at Second Baptist Church (colored) to take into con-
sideration their educational interests; Bev. Peter Oreen, temporary chairman; L B.
Barton, secretary pro tem; the following committee on credentials: Messrs. Oeorge John-
son, William Bobinson, Thomas Hutchingon; on permanent organization, Phillip A. BeO,
J. B. Sanderson and Emanuel Quivers. Thej recommended the following permanent
officers: President, Bev. Peter Oreen; vice-president, J. B. Sanderson; secretary, Peter
Powers; L B. Barton, J. H. Hubbard.
"The evening session was opened with prayer by Bev. J. B. Sanderson, after which
the following resolution was adopted: 'Besolved, That a petition be sent to the Legisla-
ture of California at the ensuing session, praying that Section 56 of School Law of this
State be annulled by striking out the words "Children of African descent" from the
said section, and that said children be allowed educational facilities with other children.
" 'Besolved, That an educational executive committee be appointed by the president
of the convention; that the executive committee be empowered to bring tMt cases before
the United States court and to make collections throughout the State to defray the
expense thereof.
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'* 'Besolyed, That the members of the edaeational committee residing in Saeramento
be appointed to attend to the printing of the petition.'
*' 'Besolyed, That the members of the executive committee in San Francisco be re-
qnired to have a bill drawn np in accordance with the proposed resolution.'
''The following are the names of the executive committee living in different parts
of the State: San Francisco County, Phillip A. Bell, Henry M. Collins, S. Peneton, E.
A. Clark; Sacramento County, A. J. Jackson, J. H. Hubbard, C. M. Dougal; San Joaquin
County, J. B. Sanderson, B. H. Munn; Santa Clara County, Peter Cassey; Yuba County,
E. P. Duplex; Sierra County, John Johnson; Eldorado County, James Price; Shasta
County, William Johnson; Merced County, A. E. Tally; Mariposa County, S. A. Monroe,
Perkins Bcttis; Nevada County, Isaac Sanks; Tuolumne County, W. Suggs; Amador
County. C. Hawkins: Solano, G. W. Miller; Tehama County, N. Balsh, C. A. Delvechio;
Santa Cruz, Joseph Smallwood.
"Whereas, The colored citizens of California are being deprived of educational
rights for their children equal to those granted to other children, we, therefore, repre-
sented in convention assembled, passed the following: 'Besolved, That wo declare that
the Amendment of the Constitution of the United States and the Civil Bights Bill give
us full educational privileges, which we cannot obtain in the caste schools as now
organized, and unless these privileges are granted us we will appeal from the unjust
public sentiment to the highest tribunal in the land.'
"The executive committee of the Educational Convention held in Stockton was
successful in having introduced in the State Senate and also the Assembly bills to
enable colored children to enter the public schools. The bill provided that where there
are less than ten colored children to constitute a separate school they shall be admitted
to white schools.
"Mr. Thompkins added a few words in support of the bill. He did not consider
ignorance as a bar to improvement; it was the highest interest and the highest duty of
every other citizen in advancement and especiaUy to aid the humble and the poor. He
hoped there would be no voice in the Senate against so just a proposition.
"Mr. Vanness said that whenever he was willing to vote for the education of white
children he was willing to vote for the education of colored children. Mr. Wheaton
presented a similar bill in the Assembly. The San Francisco Bulletin said: 'Mr.
Wheaton has, in compliance with the petition of a convention of colored people held in
Stockton, introduced a bill providing that all school children, regardless of color, shall
be admitted to the public schools. This bill was presented to the Assembly Feb-
ruary, 1872.'
"The evening following the day this bill was introduced by Mr. Mnney for the
education of colored children, the board of education of the City of Oakland held n
meeting and decided to allow colored children to enter the public schools. The members
of the educational committee of the Colored Convention living in Oakland were very
anxious to have their children enter the schools, and had, previous to the introduction
of this bill, made a second appeal to the school board for their admission. The following
account of their meeting appeared in the Pacific Appeal: 'Educational committee met
in Oakland at Shiloh A. M. E. Church, Seventh and Market streets, president, Isaa<S
Flood; secretary, B. Wilkerson. The committee appointed to wait upon the board of
education .on petition in compliance with resolution of the last meeting, praying that
our children be admitted to the public schools of Oakland subject to no other restriction
than those imposed upon white children, was received and acted upon and had been
presented to the school board by Mr. Fred Campbell. It was resolved by the board
that after the commencement, on the 7th of July, all children of African descent who
may apply for admission to the public schools ^all be received and assigned to such
classes as they may be fitted to enter.'
"The following resolutions were offered by the educational committee of the Col-
ored Convention, living in Oakland, Isaac Flood, B. Wilkerson, Peter Anderson, com-
mittee: 'Besolved, That this meeting tender our thanks to the superintendent and the
board of education of the city of OaUand for their independencei in conceding to us
our rights.
" 'Besolved, that this meeting tender our thanks to the committee for the able
manner in which they performed the duty assigned to them. Besolved, That a special
vote of thanks be tendered to Mr. Peter Anderson for his kindness and assistance as a
member of the committee that waited* on the board of education and for devoting his
time in coming over to Oakland to attend our meetings.' "
The Legislature was not so favorable to the colored people educating their children
aa the school board of Oakland. The two bills introduced in the Legislature were
defeated. Phillip A. Bell, the editor of the Pacific Appeal, said editoriaUy^ in, an issue
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180 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
of the pi^r under date of April 6, 1872: "The colored citizens of this State made a
test of the Legislature by the introduction of two bills relative to the schools in both
houses. The democratic Senate choked them both to death, but the colored citizens are
not dismayed. They have done their duty in respectfully asking the Legidature to
allow the colored children equal privileges and admittance to the public schools. It is
now at the pleasure of the colored citizens whenever they choose to seek the remedy in
the State and United States courts, under the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to
the Constitution of the United States and the Civil Bights Bill."
The school laws of California will more fully explain the necessity for legislative
enactment to remove this caste. The seventh proviso of the California school laws of
1855, in regard to establishing schools, reads: "Seventh proviso. Provided that the
Common Council on the petition of fifty heads of white families, citizens of the district,
shall establish a school or schools in said district and shall award said schools a pro
rate of the school funds. An Act amendatory of and supplementary to an Act to estab-
lish, support and regulate common schools and to repefQ former acts concerning same.
Approved May 3, 1855. Approved April 28, I860.'' The California school laws of 1860
reads: "Section 8. Negroes, Mongolians and Indians shall not be admitted into the
public schools; and whenever satisfactory evidence is furnished to the superintendent
of public instruction to show that said prohibited parties are attending such schools,
he may withdraw from the district in which such schools are situated M share of the
State school funds; and the superintendent of common schools for the county in which
such district is situated shall not draw his warrant in favor of such district for any
expense incurred while the prohibited parties aforesaid were attending the public
schools therein; provided, that the trustees of any district may establish a separate
school for the education of Negroes, Mongolians and Indians and use the public school
funds for the purpose of the same.''
The school laws for 1866 read: "Section 53. Every school, unless otherwise pro-
vided by special law, shall be open for the admission of all white children between five
and twenty years of age residing in that school district, and the board of trustees or
board of education shiSl have power to admit adults and children not residing in the
district whenever good reason exists for such exception."
School laws for 1865-66, page 398: "An Act to provide for a system of common
schools. Section 56. Any board of trustees or board of education, by a majority vote,
may admit into anv public school half-breed Indian children, and Indian cMldren who
live in white families or under guardianship of white people. Section 57. Children of
African or Mongolian descent and Lidian children not living under the care of white
people shall not be admitted into public schools except as pro'^ded in this act; provided,
that upon the written application of parents or guardians of at least ten such childreai
to any board of trustees or board of education a separate school shall be established for
the education of such children, and the education of a less number may be provided for
by, the trustees in separate schools or in any other manner. The same laws, rules and
regulations which apply to schools for white children shall apply to schools for colored
children." The statutes of 1869-70 read: "The education of children of African
descent or Indian children shall be provided for in separate schools; upon the written
application of the parents or guardians of at least ten such children to any board of
trustees or board of education a separate school shall be established for the education
of such children, and the education of a less number may be provided for by the trustees
in separate schools or in any other manner."
The Calif omians classed the Indian, Mongolian and the Negro all together and legis-
lated so as to include them all. The colored people were not willing to have their
children go through life ignorant of educational advantages. They decided that they
would make a struggle for their education. The pioneer Negroes were fortunate in that
their leaders were all men who had been blessed with a good education previous to
coming to the West. There were, however, others who came with their masters and
were not so fortunate, but were willing to aid in the struggle by contributing monev.
Their leaders, with few exceptions, came from either Canada or Massachusetts. Their
one great wiidi was to come to California to help those living in this far-away land who
were members of the Negro race. The most of the men were ministers of the gospeL
They were sincere in umting the people, and had a wonderful efFect by their own lives
in shaping the destiny of the Negro race in California.
The trustees of the public schools in Oakland, ^ realizing the injustice of either
forcing the colored children to walk miles to attend a colored school or do without an
education, said, "Let the children enter the schools." The executive committee of
the education colored convention, grateful for the independent stand of these trustees,
still realized that the same condiUons existed in other parts of the State, notably in
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OP CALIFOENIA 181
Saeramento. Mr. B. A. JohiiBon was making the fight to have hia ehildren enter the
nearest sehooL The Negro pioneers were determined to educate their children and
decided that if they could not be permitted to enter the nearest school they would make
a struggle to hare the doors of all the schools opened to them. Let the reader review
the struggle the Negro children had in an effort to secure an education in San Francisco.
The board of education closed the Broadway street school, not because there were
not enough colored children attending to keep it open, but because, as one member of
the board of education said: ''It was a nuisance." When asked to explain more
fully his remark, he said "It was too close to a white school on the same street." The
school was ordered closed and another school for colored children was also ordered
closed, resulting in all the colored children living in San Francisco having to go to the
school on "Bussian Hill" or do without an education. Although the schools furnished
the colored children were ungraded, still they were better than nothing; but the reader
wUl remember that the years this struggle for an education was being waged by the
colored in San Francisco there were neither street cars nor jitneys. fHie only way to
traverse the hills was either to own a horse and vehicle or walk. One can Imagine
school children trying to climb "Busdan Hill" during the rainy season. They were
very anxious for an education, and more than one colored child climbed it, notwith-
standing they often had walked miles before reaching the hilL
The colored people tried to fight out the issue in the legislature, but were not
snccessfuL They were determined to educate their children. Mr. John Swett, in his
'' History of Education in California," speaking of the education of the colored chil-
dren, says: "The first legal recognition of the rights of colored children is found in
the revised school laws of 1866." The author then gives a section of this law, and
adds: "Under this provision most of the colored children in the State were admitted
to school privUeges, though in a few outlying districts, notably the City of Oakland,
they were excluded from white schools and were not aUowed a separate schooL" The
Le^slature of 1870 repealed Section 56.
In September 28, 1872, a test case was entered in the Supreme Court of the State
for the admission of colored children into the common schools of the State of California.
The following is an account of the case as reported in the Paoifio Appeal of that date:
* * Mary Frances Ward, by A. J. Ward, her guardian, against Noah F. Flood. Please
take notice that upon papers, with copies of which you are herewith served, I shall
move the superintendent of the schools of California at the court room in the capitol at
the City of Sacramento, on the second day of October, A. D. 1872, at the opening of the
court on that day, or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard in the same, for a writ
of mandate commanding and enjoining you as principal having charge of the Broadway
grammar school described in said papers, to receive and act upon my appointment to
be received as a pupU in the said schooL Also to examine me as such pupil and if
found qualified to enter said school as a pupU to receive me as such. Also for such
further or other mandate as I shall be entitled to in the premises.
"Dated, September 2 4, 1872.
"Maet Frances Wabd,
"By A. J. Wabd, Her Guardian.
^'J. W. Dwindelle, 609 Kearney street, San Francisco, California, Attorney for Counsel.
"It appears that the plaintiff, her attorney, and counsel and the defendant all
reside in the city and county of San Francisco. It is ordered that the witness of appli-
cation for writ of mandate in this action be shortened to fifteen days, September, 1872.
"Wallace, C. J.
"Argument of J. Dwindelle before the Supreme Court of California on the right
of colored children to be admitted to the pubUc schools." After a statement of the
ease, the learned counsel gives the following:
" 'These colored children of African descent who are citizens have the right to
be admitted to all the public schools of the State and cannot be compelled to resort to
BejMtrate schools for colored children. We shall discuss this point solely and shall not
address ourselves to questions of ethnology, political or poetical justice, nor to any
aentimental question whatsoever.' He then referred to the constitutional provisions,
statutes and regulations, citing the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Con-
atitution of the United States; also citing the Civil Bights BilL He also in this connection
quoted the school laws of California on the subject of the education of children of
African descent, Section 56-7-8, and the following regulation of the board of education
of the city and county. Section 117, 'Separate schools. Children of African or Indian
^descent shall not be admitted into the schools for white children, but separate schools
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182 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
shall be provided for them^ in Aceordanee with California eehool laws.' The laanied
counsel referred to eight eases before the Supreme Oonrt of the State of Ohio; also
cited the case lately decided in the State of Nevada in which a mandamus was granted.
''His closing argument: 'But we are told that by a just exercise of the police
power of the Legislature these distinctions of color may be lawfully made and enforced*
The police power 1 Gracious heavens I this is the power always invoked in desperate
cases. Just as the Hindu convert prays to his Christian God for rain and, failing to
receive the genial showers^ then invokes the god of his ancient idolatry. The poHee
power — the last resource of tyrants, the last weapon for the assassination of written
constitutions and of free institutions! Urge it in Bussia, or to the despot who simoUites
republicanism in France, but here it is not worth an attempt at argument I'
"Decinon. Separate schools for colored children. The act of the Legisflature
providing for the maintenance of a separate school for the education of chUdreii of
African or Indian descent and excluding them from schools where white children mre
educated, is not obnoxious to the constitutional objection. Bights of colored children to
attend schools with white children; but unless such separate schools be actually main-
tained for the education of colored children, then the latter have a legal right to reaort
to schools where clulcben are instructed, and cannot bo legally excluded therefrom by
reason of race or color.
"Application of Writ of Mandamus. The facts are stated in the opening John W.
Dwindelle, of the petitioner. William H. Thornton, for contra. Mary F. Ward versos
Noah Flood, principal of the Broadway grammar school of the city and county of Ban
Francisco. No. 8532. Filed February 24, 1874. This decision was pursuant to the
provision of Subdivision 14, of Section 1617 of the Political Code, Writ of Vii«^^w>i?y
"Wallaoi, C. J.
"We concur.
"NnM, J.
"Cbooxxt, J.
"I concur in the judgment on the ground first considered in the opinion of the
Chief Justice.
"MOKINSTBT, J.' '»
This case was argued September 22, 1872. The decision was rendered February 26,
1874, just two years after it had been submitted to the judge for a decision, whieU
resulted in the following law being passed by the Legislature of the State through the
recommendation of the code commissioners of the "Political Code of the Beversal Law^s
of the State of California (1872-74, page 246), which reads: "Schools for Negroes and
Indian children. Section 1669. The education of children of African descent and
Indian children must be provided for in separate schools (Section 1670) upon the written
application of parents or guardians of at least ten such children, llie education of a
less number may be provided for by the trustees in separate schools or in any other
way. If the directors or trustees fail to provide such separate schools, then such
children must be admitted into schools for white children."
The decision of Chief Justice Wallace caused great rejoicing among the colored
people, especially in San Francisco. The editor of the Pacific Appeal, the leading organ
of the colored race at that time in the State, said editorially, in commenting on the
decision: ''The Federal court secured to all children the right to attend public schools.''
The editor then quoted a section of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of
the United States.
The executive committee of the Colored Convention did much in every county to
aid in securing for the colored children better educational facilities. The colored citi-
zens of Marysville held a meeting of rejoicing after the decision of Chief Justice WaBaee
rendered in the school case brought in San Francisco. The Marysville committee was
composed of the following colored gentlemen from the educational convention: Bev.
Thomas Bandolph, Bev. J. B. Handy, E. P. Duplex, Bobert Saline and others. In
speaking of the Supreme Court decision of the San Francisco colored school, Bev.
^omas Bandolph, among other things, said: "They worked with a oneness of purpose
and a unity of action until the object was accomplished."
The colored schools throughout the State were closed in 1875, and colored children
were supposed to attend the schools in the district in which they lived. Nevertheless,
we find Mr. Wysinger making the fight in behalf of the education of his children in
the schools at VisaJia. He was the proud father of six boys and two girls, and waa
determined not to allow them to grow up without an education. He went before the
school board of that county and asked them to established a school for his children.
After a struggle they opened a school for the education of colored children, and a Miaa
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OP CALIFORNIA
183
MME. ELLA BRADLEY-HUGHLEY (deceased)
Vocal Instructor, Lyric Soprano.
Digitized by
Google
184
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
V^ VA>
MALCOLM HARVEY PATTON
Lyric Tenor.
PROF. WM. T. WILKINS
Wilkins School of Music
PROF. EIL.MER BARTLETT
Pipe Organist.
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OP CALIFORNIA 185
8ara Sanderson was appointed as teacher. When Mr. Wysinger's oldest son, Arthor,
-was ready to enter the high school, he was refused admission, resulting in his father
'being eompelled to enter suit against the county school board of education in the
Supreme Court of the State before he was finally admitted into the high school. Mr.
Cady, of Sacramento, on March 31, 1877, had trouble in entering his children in the
aehool in the district in which they lived instead of the colored school.
There are many colored people living in California today who, in consideration of
the deep prejudices of pioneer days against the Negro, the harsh legislation, and the
long, bitter struggle to reverse these laws, and because the California schools are con-
sidered among the very best in the United States, beUeve it will be the best for the
future of the Negro race to maintain mixed schools as a powerful medium in erasing
lines of prejudices. But there are others of the Negro race living in the State today
who would like to teach and wish to have colored schools. Their desires have been the
means of the introduction before the State Legislature, during 1913-4-5, bills to create
separate schools for colored children. The one introduced by Senator Anderson, Janu-
ary 20, 1913, was fought vigorously by the colored people throughout the State. The
one introduced by Mr. Scott, of Hanford, in 1915, was at the request of a colony of
colored people at Allensworth. The colored people also fought this bill because of
its f ramuig.
The colored people all over the State reverence the name of the founder of the
town of Allensworth, who was Colonel Allensworth of the Twenty-fourth Infantry.
XT. S. Army, a man beloved over all the world by the race, and while the colony is tk
credit to, the Negro race, still they were unwilling to allow the passage of a biU which
would require all the colored children desiring to attend a polytechnic school to go to
Allensworth.
The town of Allensworth is very near Visalia, the county seat, was another argu-
ment used against the bill, because of the bitter fight made by that county agidnst the
admission of colored children into the public schools long after other counties throughout
the State had admitted them. The town of Allensworth some day will be one of Cali-
fomia's great centers for the raising of sugar beets and poultry. It is no longer a
colony, having been made a voting and school district. The people interested in the
passage of this bill, giving Allensworth a polytechnic school, argued that because of the
high standard and efficiency of its citizens it favorably compared with Wilberforce
University for the colored, located at Wilberforce, Ohio. In their argument it was for-
gotten that this institution was founded by the African Methodist Episcopal Church of
the entire United States and maintained by them, by the giving of the prestige and
financial support of that body for nearly a quarter of a century before the great State
of Ohio gave it an appropriation for an industrial or polytechnic department. It was
also not mentioned that this institution was the home of the late Bishop Amett, the
father of a bill to abolish colored schools in the great State of Ohio. This bill was
framed and introduced by the then Mr. Amett who, as a plain minister of the gon>el,
entered politics for the one purpose, and that was to reduce racial lines of prejudices
through abolishing colored schools throughout Ohio. The next general conference of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, recognizing the great value to the race of Bev.
Amett, raised him to the dignity of a bi^op of that body. He was a thorough race
man and at his first opportunity he used his infiuence to secure an appropriation for
Wilberforce Institution for industrial training in the schooL The great body of bishops
in electing him did so with the perfect confidence that he would not forget the race
in its struggle, but that his influence would be greater in his recognition by that body
of his true worth. The writer is proud to state that she comes from the great State of
Ohio and knew personally the late Bishop Amett, who more than once told her of the
men of prominence who had come to his home seeking his advice, and that he never
forgot his race while giving his advice to such men as the late President William
McKinley and others of like prominence of that date in Ohio.
Allensworth has a creditable colored school, since it is principally a colored colony
with a few white residents. It is also a voting district, and in order that Allensworth
might build a larger and better school, it was made a school district. The school
trustees of the county gave the residents of Allensworth permission to issue school
bonds for that purpose. Their new school cost $5,000. They employ two colored
teachers, Mr. William Payne and a Miss Prince, who have complied with the laws gov-
erning the public schools of California requiring a course in the State Normal schooL
The ^wn of Allensworth is a judicial as well as a school district, and bids fair to
become a great city some day not far distant.
There are several schools taught by colored teachers in California, namely, the one
at Furlong Tract, near Los Angeles, another colored colony. The Jlp^^b^^^jy^'^t^^^^
186 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
emplojed in this school are Miss Bessie Bruington and Miss Binola MaxwelL In the
Imperial Valley there are two schools taught by colored teachers, one at El Gentro and
another at Brawley. The following teachers, graduates of the State Normal schools
haye taught in these schools, namely, Mr. 0. W. Bimms, Miss Ella Kinard, Mrs. Davis
Mrs. liorena Hunter-Martin, Miss Eva Whiting, Miss Gertrude Chrisman, and Misr
Baber. The Bev. J. A. Stout of the 0. M. E. Church has been a strong factor in securing
positions for colored school teachers in the various districts where their services vrere
needed.
The principal products of the Imperial Valley is the raising of cotton, tobacco and
cantaloupes. A large majority of the settlers are colored people coming from Loninana
and Texas, and, while they are not enough to really make separate colonies, still with, the
Indians, Spaniards and Mexicans they manage to establish separate schools. The temper-
ature of this part of California is very much like that of Mexico, since it is near the
border line.
The schools of the State of California are classed among the best in the United
States, both in scholarship and equipment. They maintain this standard by demanding
the teachers to take a course of two years training in the State Normal schools before
being permitted^ to teach. The student who wins Uurels in the Calif omia schools wins
not because of favoritism, but purely on scholarship, after a rigid test. The reader, in
reading of the following honors won by colored students, may feel proud of their
achievements.
In pioneer days colored children were only permitted a primary education in isolated
schools. The moment that they were permitted better advantages they not only seized
them, but never stopped until they graduated from the high schools with honor. The
writer records the name of Emanuel Quivers, the first colored boy to graduate from the
San Francisco public schools. The first colored girl, Minnie Dennis, in a class comprising
fifteen hundred white students, was not daunted because she was the only colored
member of the class, but graduated with honors, mastering Spanish and the Chinese
languages. She taught for four years a class in a private school for Chinese, teaching
them the English language. She was afterward offered the position as court interpreter
but decided instead to marry. Her daughter by this marriage in after years graduated
from the San Francisco commercial high school as the valedictorian of the class, and
was the only colored member in a class of several hundred, Margaret Benston, who is
now Mrs. Evans. Miss Sara Sanderson had the distinction of being the only colored
girl in a class to graduate in kindergarten at Silya street school in San Franciseo.
Miss Kate Smith was the prineipaL The dosing exercises were held in Dashaway
Hall on Post street, San Francisco. Miss Sanderson was afterward employed as an
assistant teacher. The first colored boy to graduate from the high school of San Joaqnir
County was Daniel D. Hart, of Stockton. His father was a ''Forty-niner." Danie^
Hart afterward moved to San Francisco, stood the civil service examination and receive
an appointment as clerk in the San Francisco postoffiee. The first girl to graduate trom
the Fresno high school was Miss Elfleta Chavis. The first boy to graduate from the
same school, William Bigby, is now studying pharmacy. Arthur Wysinger was the first
colored boy to graduate from the public high school in Visalia.
The colored pupils attending the California public schools are constantly winning
honors, thereby adding to the laurels for the advancement of the education of the Negro
race. The foUowing is of especial interest because it shows the ability of a colored
girl, a pupil in the Suita Monica Polytechnic high school, located at Santa Monica, Cali-
fornia. The school offered a prize to the pupU) who could design a seal for the new
high school. This seal was to be made from the school's initials, S. M. H. 8. There
were three hundred and seventy competitors and the honor was won by a colored girl,
Miss Hasel Brown, who, aside from her design, which was artistic, made from the
initials the words, Sincerity, Manliness, Honor and Service, words that are worth remem-
bering, for if aU scholars who attend school were sincere, manly and honorable the
service they would render, both to the community and State, would not only be honorable^
bull wide in its effect for good to mankind. Miss Hazel Brown is modest, unassuming,
and has great ability in wood-carving. She bids fair to win a place for herself along
those lines, if not in the literary world, having during the past year edited with credit
and satisfaction the Federated Cluha' Jaumdl.
Miss Victoria Shorey won a gold medal for speed on the Bemington typewriter,
writing nxty words a minute, making only four mistakes. She also won a certificate for
efficiency on the Underwood machine. These contests were held while Miss Shorey was
a member of the Commercial high school of OiJdand.
University graduates among the Negro race in California are frequent, few, how-
ever, leave the State for an education except in music. The first colored university
OF CALIFORNIA 187
graduate in the State was Ernest H. Johnson, of Sacramento, who graduated from the
Leland Stanford Junior University located at Palo Alto, California. Ernest Johnson
graduated in the pioneer class of that institution, majoring in law after completing a
course in social science and economics. The University of California, located in Berke
ley, has also had many Negro graduates. The first colored boy to matriculate in this
university was Mr. Dumas Jones, who entered to study civil engineering. Dr. Lytle,
graduating from the College of Dentistry, is successfully practicing in Oakland. Mr.
Benjamin Young, of Fowler, graduating from the College of Pharmacy; Miss Grace
White, graduating in science and letters, is now teaching in the East. Miss Vivian
Bodgers, graduating in the class of 1909, majoring in science and letters, afterward
taught in the pubUc schools of Hilo, Hawiian Islands. Miss Beatrice Bice, majoring in
science and letters; Mr. Baymond Maddock, from the College of Agriculture and Natural
Science; Leonard Bichardson, from the College of Law, majoring in science and letters;
C. E. Carpenter, from the College of Law. The University of Southern California has
many who have won degrees. Among the number has been a lady dentist, Mrs. Vada
Bomerville. The writer has been told that there are over twenty-five women in Southern
California who have graduated for teachers from the Normal school. The first to grad-
uate was Miss Alice Bowen, and the second. Miss Bessie Bruington. She was in a class
of five hundred and held sixth place with a general average of ninety-seven.
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CHAPTEB XVI
Department of Law
In introdneing this department to the reader^ it has been with the object of giving
some idea of the great legal battles fought by the pioneer Negroes in California, and
the splendid legal talent of the present day Negroes in the State. The pioneer Negro
fought all of Ms legal battles through the service of white attorneys. The race lut<f
many legal battles of harsh prejudices to fight for the privilege of Hving in beaatiful
California. This required the services of attorneys who had both exceptional talent
and great moral courage to defend the Negro at that period of his history in the State.
This was due to the slavery question, which made it most unpopular for a white i>erson
to be considered a friend to the Negro. The State law did not permit the testimony
of either a Negro, mulatto, Chinese or Indian person in any olv the courts of justice in
the State. Notwithstanding these harsh restrictions, the pioneer Negroes fought and
won some of the greatest court trials known in the pioneer history of the State of
CaUfomia. This is especially true in the celebrated Ajrchy Lee ease (see "Slavery in
California")-
The pioneer Negroes at this period had a most effective organization among them-
selves which was known as the "Executive Committee of the Colored Convention."
All the colored people then living in the State who were free were members of it. They
contributed freely of their "diggings," thereby raising funds to aid in covering the
expenses of court trials. The executive committee was formed at the first Colored Con-
vention, which was held in Sacramento, California, in 1855. The duties of this eom-
mittee were not alone to raise the necessary funds, but to be constantly on the wateh
and report discrimination and cruelty to any member of the race. There was a member
of this committee in every county of the State. There was no rapid mail or telegraph
service in those days in CiUif omia, hence it was difficult to transmit news from one
part of the State to another. The Negro members of the executive committee formed
a secret code and transmited their news by the way of the barber's chair. This -was
accomplished because sJl the barbers in the State were Negroes. The general method
of transportation was by the river or ocean-going vessels. It was an easy method to
give to some customer going, say, from San Francisco to Sacramento and on up into the
mines, a message to give to the best barber in the town upon his arrival. This method
was most successful in transmitting news all over the State. It really corresponded to
the "Underground Bailroad" of anti-slavery days in the eastern part of the United
States. This was a secret organization pledged to defend escaping slaves to the North
and other free Negroes who might be again returned to slavery. So, like the "Under-
ground Bailroad," the "Executive Committee of the Colored Convention" learned of
any movement for or against the Negro settlers, whether it was introduced in the State
Legislature or on the local streets. They readily learned of it through this effective
channel, the executive committee secret code.
The Executive Committee of the Colored Convention employed, in the celebrated
Archy Lee case, the services of Attorney Winans in the first court trial. This gentle-
man came to California in 1849, after graduating in law from Columbia College. He
was very popular and influential in organizing the San Francisco Bar Association
George Wharton James says of him: "His word was worth more than the biggest
bond his richest client could give." What a splendid selection the Executive Com-
mittee of the Colored Convention made in employing such reliable counsel. In the
second court trial of this same case they employed the late Col. Edward E. Baker, a
personal friend to the immortal Abraham Lincoln. He was a deep, dyed-in-the-woo^
Abolitionist, and was the first officer to lose his life in the Civil War, dying at the
battle of "Ball's Bluff." It has been told the writer that the Archy Lee case cost
the executive committee the sum of fiLfty thousand dollars.
There were other victories to the credit of this Executive Committee of the Colored
Convention. They were "The Bight of Testimony," the "Homestead Law," and the
fight for equal public school privileges for Negro school children. The "Bight of Tes-
timony" was won through a bill wMch was introduced at the request of this committee
•by Senator Perkins in the California State Legislature. This was followed by every
member of the Legislature receiving a petition from the executive committee asking
his support of these different measures. These different members of the Legislature were
asked and did make speeches favoring the legislation asked for. This was especially
true in the fight for the "Bight of Testimony," which was ke|i(||^e^(^[e,|^f^^blie and
OP CALIFORNIA 189
the Legislatare for years, when it finallj heeame a law, wherehy the Negro was giyen
the "Bight of Testimonjr" in all the courts of the State. (See Bight of Testimony,
and Ward ys. Flood.)
The present day Negro of California, like the pioneer, does his greatest fighting
against discrimination through an organization. This iq one similar to the EzecntiTe
Committee of the Colored Convention. It is known as the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People. It was organized in New York City during 1911. It*
is officered by influential white and colored citizens, with headquarters in New York
City. They have branches in nearly every city of importance in the United States.
Th^y publish a magazine monthly called The Crisis, This magazine chronicles the
activities of the Negro race throughout the world, together with the different persecu
tions and proscriptions against the race in every part of the world.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is very influential
in California. This State is so very large that for convenience it has been divided by
this organization into a northern and a southern branch. The active organized branch
in Oakland acts as headquarters for Northern California; and the branch in Los Angeles
for the, southern district of the State. Both branches are governed by laws issued from the
National headquarters in New York. The organization is supported by a membership
fee of one dollar per year, one-half of which goes to the National headquarters and the
other half remains with the local branch to create a fund to fight discrimination in the
local districts against the Negro race or an individual of the race.
The Northern California branch has fought and won many legal battles of dis-
erimination. They have, in a measure, been fought out in the council chamber of the
cities of Oakland and Sau Francisco. This has been accomplished through the members
of the executive board having appeared before the councils of these cities and personally
plead the cause and justice of their demands. They have rarely been known to lose a
fight, either preventing an ordinance of discrimination from becoming a law, or blocking
its passage by the city council.
The Northern California branch is a live organization having over a thousand
members. The executive board has as their most efficient secretary, a Mrs. Hattie E. Be-
Hart, a lady whose heart, energy, time and money are in the work. This secretary is so
earnest and sincere that she has in a manner so organized the forces that it has not
been necessary for the branch until very recently to employ an attorney. Mrs. H. E
DeHart is untiring and irrepressible in her fearlessness. Her enthusiasm has brought to
the organization the working support of many white ladies of prominence around the
Bay cities.
The Northern California branch is a well balanced organization. It was organized
by Mr. Boy Nash, the former secretary of the National Association for the Advance-
ment of Colored People. The first president of this branch was a Mr. Christopher Beuse
who at the time was a truant officer of the City of Oakland. During his administration
there was advancement of the branch in membership and subscribers to the Crisis. The
branch, however, did very little active work, as it was a new feature for the people,
who, for a long time, thought it only necessary to pay their money, but did not take
any interest in the monthly meetings. Mr. Beuse was hopeful and encouraged the few
who did attend the public meetings to hold on, and after a season the colored people
would awake to their own interest and attend. They were thoroughly aroused when the
branch was addressed by Major Lynch (retired) of the United States Army. His
address was clear and convincing as to the foundation and the great necessity for such
an organization. There were no more dull meetings from that night. They were con-
vinced that it was not a political organization for the scheming politician of old, but
that its only political aim was to see that only men who were friends to the Negro were
elected with the aid of the Negro vote.
Previous to the coining of Major Lynch the branch had elected to the office of
president a colored gentleman by the name of Mr. Walter A. Butler, a man of education,
a race lover, true and loyal to the cause of justice and the advancement of the Negro
race, a man of wonderful executive ability; a man who commands the confidence and
respect of the white and Negro population of the Bay cities, where he has been reared
from early boyhood. He has by his conduct, careful study and attentiveness to business
won for himself a position of great trust in the financial world among both the white
and Negro races of the Bay cities. With such a man to guide the ship of destiny of the
Northern Calif omia branch it has accomplished wonders for the Negro people. It has
also won for Mr. Butler the hatred of all the politicians who had been in the habit of
using the Negro vote as they chose. These politicians did not become interested in the
organization until there was a thousand members working in unisg|j.^|^^^ . \jkjkj\iik.
190 THE NEOBO TBAIL BLAZEBS
The first test of Mr. Butler's ability as a raee lover and president of the Northern
Oalif omia branch of the National Association for the Advancement for Colored People,
came with the first appearance of the photo-play, "The CJlansman," or better known mm
''The Birth of a Nation." The moment it was billed to open at the McDonough theater
of Oakland Mr. Butler called a public mass meeting, at which meeting resolutions were
passed condemning this race-hating, mischief -making film. As a result of this meetmcT*
and the respect with which the president of the organization was held by the influential
white citizens, there was immediately a campaign launched against the play's shov^in^
in the City of Oakland. The daily papers were constantly filled with letters of protest
from citizens of influence showing the injustice to the Negro people of Oalifomia in
allowing it to appear in any city of the State. The writer, at the time, was a special
feature writer on the Oakland Tribune, and this paper, more than any other, publiahed
both editorials and special letters against the play, thereby creating sentiment in favor
of the Negro race.
Father David B. Wallace, rector of the St. Augustin Episcopal Mission, and also
vice-president of the Northern California branch and a strong defender for the ri^bta
of the Negro race, personally organized a vigilante committee, who succeeded in having
a restraining order issued by the mayor of the City of Oakland, which compelled the
play to stop in the midst of a performance. Through some technicality of the law, the
order was rescinded the next day. But Father Wallace did not stop the fight until he
had succeeded in having some objectionable parts removed from the film before it ^wmm
again permitted to show.
Another event in stimulating confidence in the Northern California branch 'wmm
the reception given by it to and in honor of Hon. George Cook, dean of the law depart-
ment of Howard University, of Washington, D. C, and his distinguished wife, together
with the widow of the late Senator B. K. Bruce, all of whom are members of the
National executive board of the organization. Mr. Walter A. Butler personally invited
many white persons of distinction, as well as out-of-town distinguished colored people to
attend this reception. He also acted as personal guide to these persons of distinction,
while they were in the northern part of California. His efforts were rewarded by an
overwhelming attendance at this public reception, which was held in the historic ^E*if-
teenth Street A. M. E. Church of Oakland. There have been few affairs more enjoyable
and inspiring to the Negro race and the public in the City of Oakland. Hon. Oeorge
Cook delivered one of the best addresses, up to that date, ever delivered on the organi-
zation in the city. He told of many hard-fought battles won, hitherto unknown by the
average member of the organization. Also the talks by Mrs. Bruce and Mrs. Cook w^ere
all great. Mrs. Corline Cook is so pleasing in her manner that all were sorry when she
had finished, for her message was well received and inspiring. On this occasion the
former president, Mr. Christopher Beuse, who had resigned his position in Oakland and
had entered the ministry and was holding a charge in Fresno, California, several hun-
dred miles away, readily responded to Mr. Butler's telegram, and arrived in time to
attend the reception and introduce Mrs. Bruce, since her son was a class mate of his at
Harvard University. His introduction was a masterful address that helped to add many
new members to the already increasing roll. Among others things, Mr. Beuse said on
that occasion was that while it was deplorable the ''Clansman" had been permitted to
show, still it had acted< like a slap in the face to the colored citizens who had been
awakened to their responsibility to fight to maintain their rights as citizens of the
United States and to secure full justice in any community.
Since then the Northern California branch of the N. A. A. C. P. have succeeded ir
having removed from the windows of restaurants discriminating signs and the preventing
of photoplay houses from discriminating in the seating of colored patrons. A notable
case of the kind was won by a member of the executive committee of the northern
branch, a Mr. Leonard Bichardson, who had but recently graduated from the law depart-
ment of the University of California. It was his first case after being admitted to
practice. It was against discriminatioji being shown by the management of the hand-
some photoplay house known as the T. and D. in the City of oSikland. One of its
attractions is that it has the largest pipe organ on the coast. They began segregating
colored patrons.
The Northern. California branch also succeeded in securing a stay of vote in the
Oakland city council in regard to an ordinance introduced by the Santa Fe Tract. This
ordinance was drawn similar to the Baltimore and Louisville land segregation laws in
regard to Negroes purchasing property in white neighborhoods. After securing a stay
of vote, the executive committee, acting upon the advice of the president, Mr. Walter
A. Butler, and through the untiring efforts and time devoted to |hec^u|^J^^<^secre-
OP CALIPOBNU Ml
tary, Mrs. H. E. DeHsrt, they traced the origin of the trouble to an alien enemy of the
United States Oovemment. This man was a German salesman in one of the large stores
that was well patronized by colored people. He was an unnaturalized resident of the
United States. Mr. Butler and Mrs. DeHart were told by oflcials that if they wished
they could have this man interned for the duration of the war. The activities and
bitterness of the Santa Fe people were such that it was feared that there would be in
Oakland a repetition of the East St. Louis massacre. In view of the same, the executive
committee, acting upon the advice of the president, went in a body to the store and told
the proprietor of their findings. The committee consisted of Mr. Walter A. Butler and
Mmes. Gilbert, DeHart, Tilgman and Brown, Father Wallace and Mrs. Tob Williams.
The last named, like Mrs. DeHart, is a thorough race woman and fearless in any fight
for tfato uplift of the race. This alien was brought face to face with the proprietor and
this committee. It is needless to say that the Negro people of Oakland rested
more peacefully after the report of this committee. There were some who feared that
Mrs. DeHart and Mrs. Tob Williams would, by their fearlessness, make martyrs of
themselves before it was through. Mrs. DeHart solicited infiuential white la&es of
Berkeley and two of our own race (near white) to attend the secret meetings of the
8anta Fe Tract people and report the minutes to her. She then had Mr. Butler, the
president, call a public meeting and plan a reception in honor of a distinguished guest
in the city, Hon. S. W. Green, chancellor of the K. of P. lodges of the world.
The meeting lasted way beyond the time usual for closing such meetings. Mrs. DeHart
appeared before the people and asked them if they* would not wait just a little longer,
as there was an important report to be made. During the long wait there were many
voluntary speeches made as to preparedness and unity of action. Mrs. Tob Williams
made one that would have done credit to a warrior of old. This Oommittee arrived and
made their report and, coming directly from this Santa Fe tract stormy meeting, gave
the facts in such a convincing manner that when the secretary, Mrs. DeHart, made an
appeal for new members, the people came in such droves to sign and register their
names that Mr. Bicks had to be called in to assist. In less than a half -hour over thirty-
Biz people had paid their memberships fee and they were after midnight still coming to
register.
Mr. Butler commented on the seriousness of the occasion and what unity meant if
a crisis should come, and, if it did, what the home office in New York would do to assist
them in their struggle to protect their homes. He made this speech while every one
was anxiously awaiting the arrival of the committee. He was cool and dignified in
making these statements and every one felt that his ruling during the entire evening
had been as a warrior leading a mighty host to battle, and that we had actually reached
the firing line. This speech instilled confidence in the people in his ability to truthfully
guide them in any dark hour and with an organization that would do the things he had
said they would do with such leadership, there would never be an East St. Louis repeti-
tion in Oakland, and that we would not surrender without a sacrifice if necessiuy. He
was both eloquent and inspiring. All were, proud of his conduct of the meeting, for
every man in the audience was, by his coolness and plain words, brought face to face
with the issue — that they were .^erican citizens and therefore did not believe that
they had Si right to consider the polities of any man. They were not curfying favors,
but simply asking for what was due them. This meeting was pronounced the greatest
meeting ever held in Oakland since the celebrated Archy Lee case of 1858. It was
great and inspiring for race unity.
The executive committee of the Northern California branch of the National Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Colored People, after this meeting, finding that the whole
work was that of an alien enemy, succeeded in securing a stay of vote by the cit^it
council. To their surprise the ordinance was again introduced on the morning the first
Negro drafted boys were leaving Oakland to offer their lives as a sacrifice for democracy.
This was indeed the severest blow of all because, just a few evenings previous, the
branch had held a public reception for the boys. On this occasion the mayor of the
city and a member of the city council who had opposed the Negro fight and had en-
couraged the members of the Santa Fe tract in their persecution, was a speaker at the
reception for these boys. He spoke of his surprise at the appearance and the intelli-
gence of the audience. We had all hoped that the patriotic address delivered by Father
Wallace would impress this councilman and, if not, then that the one by Mrs. Hettie
Tilghman, who was the promoter of the reception, would finally win him over to the
Negro's side in the fight. But nevertheless while the mayor was bidding the Negro
boys God-speed and an honorable return to Oakland, and nearly every Negro man,
woman and child in Oakland was at the depot bidding the boys goodby, this ordinance
was again introduced to the city council at this same hour.
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192 THE NBQEO TRAIL BLAZERS
Father Wallaee, who is really the watchman on the wall, left the depot the momeat
the boys departed, and on hia way home stepped into the council chamber. He was in
time to hear the ordinance read before conucil. When the crowd returned from the
depot, the first issue of an evening paper had head lines stating the news to the public
That evening the branch received a telegram from Washington, D. C, stating that the
Hon. Morefield Story had won a favorable decision before the United States Supreme
Oourt with a full bench in "vetoing segregation as it affected property rights of
Negroes as American citizens." It was welcome news to all throughout the Nation, and
none welcomed it more than Mr. Walter A. Butler, president of the Northern Calif ornin
branch of this organization which, as a National body, had made the fight for the good
of the American Negro.
It has been said that the time produces the man for the occasion or event. If the
pioneer Negroes in California were compelled to employ white attorneys to fight their
battles of discrimination, the friend and counselor-at-iaw of the present day Negro of
California is one of their own blood, well educated and an activen member of the South-
ern California branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People. Notwithstanding, he is a naturalized citizen, having been bom in the bean-
tiful island of Nassau, the Bahama West Indies. He was educated and then came
across the continent from New York to California before beginning his career as an
attorney. This refers to the Hon. Edward Burton Ceruti of Los Angeles. He is the
oflcial attorney for the Southern California branch of this National organization and
recently has been elected to represent the Pacific Coast as a director on this National
board. He is the leading criminal attorney among the Negro people in California.
He was of great assistance to the Northern California branch of this National As-
sociation for the Advancement of Colored People in their struggle to save the life of
a race prisoner who had been sentenced to death. The people and the warden of the
penitentiary did not believe him guilty. Mr. Ceruti worked earnestly on the case for
weeks in an effort to secure a reversal of sentence or a new trial. He was unsuccessfuL
Nevertheless the earnestness with which he conducted his efforts was quite satisfactory
to the Northern branch who immediately wrote him for his bill for services rendered.
To the great surprise of the executive committee, he donated his services, only allowing
them to pay for the telegram^ sent during his research and the typing of his briefs in
the case. This amounted to practically nothing compared to the vast amount of work
done by Attorney Ceruti on this case. Such acts by him in many instances have en-
deared him to every race lover in California. He is like Mrs. DeHart in that he is so
unselfish in his work for the branch.
His work with the Southern California branch of the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People, has been principally in fighting discrimination in the
refusal of moving picture houses and cafes to serve patrons of the Negro race the same
as they would any other American citizen. He is so thorough and sincere that he has
tiioroughly established the facts in the courts of Los Angeles and Pasadena; that Sec-
tion 51-2-3-4 and 5 of the California Civil Code can and will be enforced. His last case
of this kind was won ixn Pasadena where he plead before a mixed jury.
Aside from these suits of discrimination won by Attorney Ceruti, he has won some
remarkable criminal court trials^ that have attracted the attention of the bar of the
entire state. Among these trials was the one of ''People vs. Burr Harris." The reader's
attention is called to the second trial for murder of Burr Harris, in which Attorney
Ceruti attempted to prove the insanity of the prisoner through hereditary influence and
an irresistible impulse to commit crime. The learned trial judge allowed the evidence,
yet, when instructing the jury, it was ruled out (see "Notes on the Text")- Attorney
Ceruti, being convinced that if the laws of CaHfomia did not recognize such evidence,
then the laws for the criminally insane were faulty, anxiously awaited an opportunity
to prove to the courts, and to the public that it was wrong to hang a criminally insane
prisoner. His opportunity came when he was called to defend Thomas Miller at Santa
Barbara, California, at the second trial for murder (see "Notes on the Text"). Santa
Barbara is the home of many retired millionaires with large and magnificent estates
similar to England. They are owned by many who are descendants of pioneer Califor-
nia families. Because such remembered that during pioneer days the Negro i>eople
fought for ten years through the courts to gain the ' * Bight of Testimony ' ' in the Courts
of Justice, they considered it a joke and treated it as such when challenged as to their
fitness to serve on a jury to try a Negro murderer. They gave neither the Negro mur-
derer nor his attorney any consideration except to frankly express themselves as to
their willingness to hang the Negro. But ah, when the Negro attorney, week after
week against such terrible odds, stood before the bar of justice and whose pleadings
equalled that of any attorney, black or white, his arguments meant more to the aria-
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OP CALIPOENIA 193
toeratie residents of Santa Barbara than the flow of mere oratory. It caused them to
panse and consider, not only in this city, but al^ over the State, for even while the
trial was in progress, petitions were being circulated by club women to abolish capital
punishment, in Oalif omia. Notwithstanding no mention was made of the forceful argu-
ments of this Negro attorney, or the case he was then pleading in beautiful Santa
Barbara. The truth had been sent home to them that Oabfomia has more criminally
insane murders than any other kind. It is the firm belief of the writer ifho followed
the case with continued interest, that the sincere and intelligent pleadings of this
Negro attorney, Edward Burton Oeruti, was the direct means of arousing the great
humanitarian minds of the great State of Oalif omia, to pause and begin to think that
after all he was right. The way to wipe out crime, is to remove the cause for pro-
ducing criminally insane, or else legislate to treat such persons as human beings with
defective minds. The greatest reforms the world has ever known have been started
by men who had the power to cause the great minds to stop and think. We all move
in groups, and when a thought is once grasped by any one group it does not require a
very long time before it becomes a fixed fact, and leads to a successful execution. John
Brown, of Harper's Perry, did not succeed in emancipating the Negro slaves; but he
started the minds of the great humanitarians to thinking in the right way. He found
his own group and in time the thoughts of that group crystallized in the final emanci-
pation of the Negro slaves of America.
The heroic legal fights made by Attorney E. B. Ceruti in these two murder trials in
an effort to prove that the California laws for the criminally insane conflict with' the
laws of humanity, and cannot be strictly just although legally right, in time resulted
in a member of the Legislature introducing a bill which was, however, defeated. It was
introduced just one year from the beginning of this history making second trial of
Thomas Miller of Santa Barbara. This bill was introduced in the Oalif omia Legisla-
ture by Senator Bominger of Los Angeles, California. Its aim was to reduce the per-
centage of alcohol in wine and all liquors to the extent that it will not cause drunken-
ness. Dr. Hatch, superintendent of the State hospital, and also head of the lunacy com-
mission, in commenting on the bill, among other things said: "Whatever we do to pre-
vent the excessive usd of alcohol, personally I place my greatest hope on the proper
education of the young of the dangers accompanying the use of alcohol. They should
be taught to look on it as a drag, a poison without which they can get along in life;
that partaking of it is an acquired habit that often grows until it enslaves.* **Nowher^
are the bad and lasting effects of alcohol on the individual shown more clearly than in
our hospitals for the insane. There you find young inebriates whose purpose in life has
been side-tracked by drink, also the chronic alcoholic whose life is hopelessly wrecked;
and men and women with actual mental disease due to excessive use of alcoholic stimu-
nlants." During all these court trials Attorney Oeruti had the moral support of the
entire colored population of California and especially the Southern California branch of
the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
The Southern California branch of the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People has done some very effective work through the leadership of Attorney
GerutL For two years they earnestly worked in investigating conditions affecting the
admission of colored girls to the training school for nurses connected with the county
hospital, of Los Angeles County, California. At the psychological moment they asked the
various societies and clubs of the county, representing the best interest of the Negro
race, to co-operate with them, in presenting a petition to the board of supervisors, to ask
for the admission of Negro girls to train for nurses on the same terms as white girls.
These various organizations held a joint meeting with the Southern California Branch
of the N. A. A. C. P. and they presented the findings after their two years of earnest
work. This joint commmittee voted to employ Attorney Edward Burton Ceruti, to in-
troduce the petition to the board of supervisors, asking for the privilege of colored
girls' admittance to train for nurses on the same terms as white girls. The writer by
chance heard of the meeting and attended in time to hear Attorney E. B. Ceruti make
his masterful plea. He was voluntarily followed by Judge Forbes, who, upon hearing
of the object of the meeting, had followed the crowd, and made a speech that was as-
tonishing to the writer. He fully explained every possible reason why in justice to the
negro girls, as American citizens, they should be admitted to train for nurses. The
gentleman told of being a descendant of an old Abolitionist family who fought for the
freedom of Negro slaves. No one doubted his statement after listening to his address.
He was followed in a closing argument by Mr. Cerati who gave the technical points of
law as to the justice of their admittance and closed by adding that if they had been
admitted five years ago, today we would have Negro girls trained nurses in France
earing for our boys who are giving their lives for democracy. The supervisors granted
Digitized by KJKJKJ\ll\^
194 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
the request without a dissenting vote. This was a great yictory, not only for the
Southern California braneh of the N. A. A. G. P., but for the Negro race women throng-
out Ameriea. The Lot AngeUt Tifnes, one of the largest dailj papers published in the
United States, the next day paid the speaker and the colored people of Los Angeles a
great tribute in their victory and repeated Edward Burton Geruti's remarks coneeming
our girls earing for soldiers in France. It is a strange coincidence, but in less than t«B
days afterward the War Department, through Oaptidn Emmitte Scott, announced that
they were sending Negro nurses to the cantonments in the United States throu|^ the
influence of the 1^ Cross National organization. The writer wonders if, after the con-
stant pleadings of the Negro people for years to win a place as trained nurses, the ear-
nest pleadings of Attorney Ceruti had not caused them to stop and consider if they
were treating the Negro women squarely when they were not even given a chance to
nurse the Negro soldier, whose life was just as dear to him as is the white soldier's.
In less than a month from the masterful plea and argument advanced by Edward Burton
Ceruti favoring Negro trained nurses, the National Counsel of Defense issued a state-
ment to all the local boards in the different cities of the United States, asking that they
use their influence wherever there was a county hospital to admit Negro girls to train
for nurses, thereby releasing the nurses who were already trained for service in France.
When the writer read this statement she wished that the late General Harrison Qray
Otis, could have lived to have seen this day for he had done so many things of value
to the Negro race, and having served in the Civil and Spanish- American Wars with
Ne^o soldiers, would have rejoiced to know that after years the nation was awakening
to judge the Negro for what the individual represents and not by the worst in the race.
The paper which he founded and which is still owned by his heirs. The Los Angeles
Times, published this address of Attorney Ceruti, calling the attention of the board of
supervisors to the fact that had Negro girls been admitted to the training schools Ave
years ago, today they would be in France nursing wounded soldiers. The eastern readers
of the Times are as numerous as the Califomian, and weigh whatever it says. The
writer sincerely hopes that some day the Negro race will be benefited by the able coun-
sel of Edward Burton Ceruti in the halls of the United States Congress, for he is so
sincere and honest in his desire to see the race have justice that he carries the force of
his arguments to the heart and consciousness of the American people. Would that the
race had many more of this old school of losing self in the interest of the race.
The present day Negroes in California have many good lawyers who have won
history-making cases. There is one who won a favorable verdict in regard to the pur-
chase of land by Negroes against segregating. He won this case February 4, 1915,
which was identical to the Louisville case which the National Association for the Ad-
vancement of Colored People carried to the United States Supreme Court, through the
able consul, Hon. Morefield Story, and won a favorable verdict in 1917.
The present day Negro of California can boast of sn foreign consul and a justice of
the peace whose duties in the Negro township of AUensworth, Tulare County, is on
equal footing with a judge. He has never had a decision reversed.
All of the above men have been admitted to practice law in California. Many of
them have studied and graduated from the law departments of the universities, the one
at Berkeley and the Southern California in Los Angeles. During pioneer days the
prejudice was so great that a Negro boy could not be admitted, notwithstanding he
had read law under good instructors who had previously examined and considered him
qualified for admittance, as was the case of James Wilson, the first Negro boy to apply
for admittance to the bar in Alameda County, California. He lived to see afterward
others of his race admitted to the bar and he was appointed and served as deputy
sheriff of Alameda County, California, for years.
There is onei branch of the law represented by the present day Negro, and it is
worthy of more than a passing notice. That is, the Negro foreign consul for the Repub-
lic of Liberia, at the port of San Francisco, a Mr. Oscar Hudson, whose practice is
among the best Spanish families in San Francisco. He is intelligent and speaks and
writes Spanish, Italian and English. He is an active member of the National and Local
Northern branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,
a distinguished member of the Sixth Christian Science Church of San Francisco. The
list, dear reader, may be long but there are many more who could be cited from the list
in Los Angeles alone, who have had history-making cases and have been an honor and
credit to the race and the betterment of humanity, as will be found in the life of the
first Negro boy to matriculate in a law school in California, in the University of South-
em California, a Mr. James M. Alexander, whose sketch will show the kind of men that
have mastered the science of law in the State. . I
Digitized by VjOOQIL
OF CALIFORNIA 195
The pioneer Negro attorney in California was a real Trail Blazer in that he was the
first Negro attorney to practice in the courts of the State and shared an oflee with a
well-known white firm. The following sketch has been quoted from his career, as given
by Dr. W. J. Simmons in his book, "Men of Mark," who said: ''Mr. Robert Oharles
O'Hara Benjamin was bom on the Island of Saint Kitts, West) Indies, March 31, 1855.
Education being compulsory on the island, he was sent to school while very young, and
at the age of eleven was sent to England under a private tutor who prepared h^ for
college. i
"While yet a boy he entered Trinity College, Oxford, where he studied for three
years and left without taking a degree; * * * visiting Sumatra, Java and the Islands
in the East Indies. He then returned to England after a two years' tour. He next took
passage on a vessel coming to America and arrived in the city of New York, April 13,
1869. Ten days after he i^ipped as a cabin boy on the bark Lepanto, Captain Cyrus E.
Staples, and made a six months' cruise to Venezuela, Curacoa, Demara and other West
Indies ports.
' ' Returning to New York in the fall of the same year he concluded to abandon the
sea and settle there, working at anything he could get to do. In the meantime he took
an active part in public affairs which brought him in close association with such prom-
inent politicians as Dr. Highland Garnett, Cornelius Van Cott, Dr. Isaac Hayes, the
Arctic explorer, and Joe Howard, the well known newspaper man.
"Mr. Howard, then editor of the New York Star, employed Mr. Benjamin as a
solicitor and agent. When not at his work he was assigned to office duty. In the course
of a few months business led him into the acquaintanceship of Mr. J. J. Freeman, editor
of the Progressive American, who made him city editor of his paper. In the same year
(1876) he appeared before the Court of Common Pleas and was naturalized. Soon after
he was given a position of letter carrier in the New York postofflce, but, finding the
work too laborious, after nine months' trial he was compelled to. give it up. He then
went south and engaged in school teaching. It was while engaged in this business that
he took a notion to become a lawyer. In Kentucky he read law with County Attorney
David Smith, afterward State Senator, also ex-Congressman Reid, and in Alabama with
Judge Sineral Clark. He finally placed himself under Hon. Josiah Patterson, an eminent
lawyer of Memphis, Tenn., through whose influence he was admitted to the bar, Janu-
ary, 1880. Mr. Benjamin's achievements as a lawyer, journalist and lecturer are un-
rivaled. The territory over which his legal services have extended aggregate twelve
different States. • ♦ ♦
"He is highly esteemed by the members of the California bar and is regarded by
both black and white citizens of the State as an able scholar and an honorable Christian
gentleman. At Los Angeles Mr. Benjamin was a member of the well-known law firm of
Barham and Stewart. This might be regarded as an honor when we consider that the
firm is among the most prominent on the Pacific Coast. * * ♦ Mr. Benjamin is the only
Negro lawyer on the Pacific Coast. At the same time Mr. Benjamin filled the position
as city editor of the Los Angeles Daily Sun, the first Negro in the United States, so far
as we know, to hold so prominent a position on a white paper.
"Soon after the inauguration of President Benjamin Harrison the members of the
bar of Southern California, with whom Mr. Benjamin came in contact daily, the Judges
of the Supreme Court, the mayor of the city of Los Angeles and the members of the
eity council, together with the city officials of superior ability, petitioned Senator Stan-
ford and the congressional delegation, asking that Mr. Benjamin's name be sent to the
President of the United States for an appointment. Accordingly the entire delegation
indorsed and presented his name for the position of United States Consul of Antiqua,
West Indies. The State Department, not caring to make a change of officials in that
particular consulate, offered him, several months later, through the congressional dele-
gation another equally prominent position which he declined; preferring to remain at
the editorial helm of the San Francisco Sentinel which he then edited and which he
made one of the brightest race journals in the United States.
' ' Mr. Benjamin is an intense race man, and his manly stand and eloquent speech in
behalf of the race before the Republican convention at Sacramento, his fearless edi-
torials in his newspaper demanding recognition, for the race, and the able manner in
which he defended his race before the courts have all tended to endear him to the
colored people of California. * * * Mr. Benjamin has been an earnest member of the
church for some years, but some months ago he concluded to give church work and book-
publishing more of his attention. He therefore resigned the editorship of the Sentinel
and turned over the major part of his lucrative practice of law to a San Francisco
attorney, appearing himself only in the criminal courts, and has entered actively into
the ministry. * * * He is presiding elder of the California conference of the A. M. E.
Digitized by s^KJKJWlK.
196 THE NEOBO TBAIL BLAZEBS
Zion Church, his territory covering the State of California, Oregon and Washington."
The office of Foreign Consol standi alone and distinctive. It is comparatively little
understood by the average person, but is strictly an appointment made by the Preaideiit
of the United States. The person selected to fill the office must be of more than average
intelligence, most know something of law and the diiferent languages and must possess
great diplomatic abilities.
The dnty of a Foreign Consul is not only to represent the country for which he has
been appointed in every social function, but he must listen to every compUdnt of any
of the citizens who may come to the port where he is located. It is his duty to adjust
any differences coming between a citizen of the country he represents and a citizen of
the country where he is located. It is his duty to adjust these differences cautiously lest
he cause a diplomatic break between the two countries.
The Foreign Consul is often called upon by the country he represents to attend to
the purchase of large supplies for their home use. If a citizen from a foreign govern-
ment should find himself in distress by lack of funds, or require identification, he imme-
diately applies to the Foreign Consul representing his government at the port where he
might be at the time.
There are few Negro Foreign Consuls at the present time because of the fact that
the Bepublic of Liberia is the only Negro-governed country now in existence. In view
of the above the writer considers it a pleasure and honor to be permitted to present the
sketch of a Negro Foreign Consul, Mr. Oscar Hudson, who is the consul for Liberia at
the port of San Francisco.
Hon. Oscar Hudson has been well-qualified through education and travel to fill the
office with credit to himself and honor to the Negro race. He is a splendid example of
what a boy can make of himself if he but tries and wills to be somebody. Mr. Hudson
was bom in Missouri, January 4, 1876, and attended a country school until he became
an orphan at the age of eleven years, at which time he was forced to shift for himself.
He went to Mexico where he again attended school and secured a good education with
a splendid knowledge of the Spanish, Mexican and many other foreign languages. 8o
thoroughly did he master these languages that when the United States Government was
at war with Spain, he was selected as Spanish and English translator in Cuba.
After the Spanish-American War he located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where
he lived for several years, daring which time he was owner and editor of a paper called
the "New Age" which voiced the interest of the Negro race. He was elected delegate
at large to the Bepublican State Convention, of New Mexico, in 1911. This was the
first Bepublican State Convention ever held in that State. Hon. Oscar Hudson was ap-
pointed a delegate to the Negro National Educational Congress held in St. Paul, Minne-
sota, in July, 1912. This appointment was conferred upon him by the then Governor,
William C. McDonald, of the State of New Mexico.
During all the years he lived in New Mexico he had a great desire to master the
profession of law, and, thinking he saw an opportunity to. study in California; he re-
moved to Los Angeles during the winter of 1907-8. During his stay he established and
published the "New Age," a paper whose policies were for the uplift of the Negro raee
in California. He published it for a year when he sold out and moved back to New
Mexico.
The charm of California was so great, notwithstanding he had many honors con-
ferred upon him after his return to New Mexico, still, even so he returned to California
and stood an examination and was admitted to practice law in 1911 by the Appellate
Court of the First District of California. Since then he has been granted the right to
practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
Mr. Hudson decided to locate in Northern California and was for sometime engaged
in the real estate business in Alameda County, during which time the Governor of the
State appointed him notary public for Alameda County. It was while serving as such
that the Hon. President Woodrow Wilson appointed him as consul for Liberia at the
Port of San Francisco. The 1917 annual edition of the San Francisco Daily Chronide,
the largest paper published in San Francisco, devoted one page to ''Foreign Consuls
holding important places in the life of the community." In speaking of Mr. Hudson,
among other things, it said: "Many honors have come to Oscar Hudson in his chosen
profession, the law. Not only does he enjoy a splendid and successful practice in all
the courts having jurisdiction in California, but he is also consul for the Republic of
Liberia at the Port of San Francisco. He is the first and only Negro to hold a member-
ship in any bar association in the State of California, and he has the respect and esteem
of not only the bench and bar but of the public at large. * * * "
The writer considers the above quotation a fine tribute to the subject of this sketch,
for Mr. Oscar Hudson is not only the Liberian Consul at the Port of San Francisco,
Digitized by ^
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OP CALIFOKNIA 197
bat he is also the greatest public-spirited Negro in Northern California. He has the
bearing of a king without being haughty. The writer, in studying him, often recalls a
remark made to her by the late Hon. Theo. Hittell, in referring to the late Col. £. D.
Baker, in which he said: "His very presence commanded attention." Mr. Hudson aims
high in everything he undertimes for the uplift of the race. This was particularly true
in his earnest work to try and secure a Negro regiment in California.
Shortly after the United States Government declared war on Germany, Mr. Hudson,
realizing that thtf Negroes of the Pacific Coast were without a military organization,
immediately began to try and stimulate an interest in his fellow racemen to obtain a
regiment. This required upon his part a personal sacrifice of both time and money in
traveling over the State and preparing an appeal which he personally presented to the
Calif omia Legislature, asking for permission to organize this Negro regiment. It was
at a tremendous sacrifice that he succeeded in arousing the Negro men and in organ-
izing four companies in Los Angeles which were officered by ex-T7nited States Army
ofiScers who had served in the Spanish-American War. In the northern part of the
State many men signed up for a unit of two companies. So confident was Mr. Hudson
that he would have the required number that he told the glad news to Mayor Boiph of
San Francisco, who, like a true San Franciscan, wishing to distinguish the ''City of
Inspiration," hastily donated a beautiful silken United States fiag to the First Volun-
teer Negro Begiment of CaHfomia. After this enthusiastic act on the part of the
Mayor of San Francisco, every Negro who had enlisted for this regiment wished to be
chief boss. Before they finally settled their differences the order came from Washing-
ton, D. C, stating that no more such regiments should be organized, as it would inter-,
fere with the operation of the Draft Law. Thus a great opportunity to give the brave
men in these different companies an opportunity to distinguish themselves was lost.
It is also gratifying to note that a number of the men who did sign their names
to serve in this volunteer regiment were not content to wait for the draft and secured
assignment to the separate training camp for the training of Negro United States
Officers and graduated from the same with honor and now hold conmiissions in the
Officers Beserve, and are at this writing serving with the National Army in France.
Mr. Hudson is happily married and his wife is a registered Christian Science Prac-
titioner. She has been a great aid to the subject of this sketch in his struggle for
distinction. She has a winsome personality and wonderful executive ability.
The following is quoted from The Bench and Bar of California, edited by J. C.
Bates, who, in speaking of Attorney Willis Oliver Tyler, said: ''Besidence 831 San
Pedro street. Office 325-26 Germain Building, Los Angeles. Born July 19, 1880, in
Bloomington, Indiana; son of I. and Mary Jane (M. S. Caw) Tyler; moved to California
in January, 1911. Graduated from the University of Indiana in 1902, received the
degree of A. B., and from the Harvard Law School in 1908 with the degree of L. L. B.
A£nitted to the Bar of Illinois, October, 1908. Commenced the practice of law in asso-
ciation with B. F. Mosely at Chicago, April 24, 1911. Attorney for the Bobert C. Owens
Investment Company since October 1, 1911. Corporal of Company '*B," Indiana Col-
ored Volunteer Infantry, from July, 1898, to January, 1899. Practices his profession
alone in Los Angeles to date. Member of the Harvard Club of Chicago, Illinois."
Charles Darden, the subject of this sketch, is the son of Charles H. and Dianah
Darden, a large and most prominent family of Wilson, North Carolina. His father is
the pioneer undertaker of that city. Their son, Charles, was educated in the public
schools of his home town. After graduating from the high school, was sent to Wayland
Seminary, and later to Howard University, at Washington, D. C, where he graduated
in law. He afterward traveled extensively throughout the United States, Hawaiian
Islands and the Orient. Attorney Charles Darden located in Los Angeles, California,
where he was immediately admitted to practice in all the courts of the State. During
a visit east in April, 1915, and while in Washington, D. C, he had the honor of being
presented and admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. The
motion conferring this honor upon him was made by a former teacher, a Professor Hart,
who holds the chair of Criminal Law, Procedure and Corporation in Howard University.
Attorney Darden is socially popular and is a distinguished member of the Knights
of Pythias lodge, also the Masons and Elks. He is reserved, rarely ever giving an
opinion in conversation on any subject. His evasive attitude has caused many to wonder
at the great court trials he has succeeded in winning, the most noted of which was the
one in regard to segregation or race restriction in the purchase of land by Negroes.
Attorney Darden has made a specialty of land litigation. This case will show his thor-
oughness in such matters because he is persistent in carrying all his cases to the court
of last resort in the State for a final decision. He has the honor and credit of winning
a favorable decision in regard to race restriction clauses in the sale bplprppiP^\to
198 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
Negroes almost two yeartf before the Hon. Morefleld 8tory won a favorable and ftnal
dedsion from the Uidted States Supreme Court on the same sabjeet. It is Strang to
relate that while Attorney Darden was the first attorney in the United States to aeeun
snch a verdict it has not been commented open except in few papers beyond the Boel^
Mountains. The race papers of Calif omia proudly acclaimed his success, realizing tbmt
in due time other men of the race all over the United States would win such vital
verdicts.
The following is quoted from a race Los Angeles paper in regard to this great vic-
tory for Attorney Darden: "Bestriction against race holders of title to lands in this
State has been declared void by John W. Shenk, who rendered a decision in favor of
Mr. Benjamin Jones and Mrs. Fannie Ouatier, plaintiifs against the Berlin Bealty Oom-
gany. Announcement of this decision so far-reaching to the Afro-Americans of Ameriea
I made by Attorney Darden, able counsel, who handled the case for Mr. Jones and Mrs.
Gustier. The decision obtained is so direct in its effect and consequences upon the
much-mooted question of the validity of such race restriction that it establishes a real
precedent, it being the first decision obtained directly upon the question involved in a
Court of Justice in the United States, and was rendered by Judge John W. Shenk, ex>
city attorney, and former candidate for mayor of Los Angeles City."
Tlie Cdlifamia Eagle then further stated the proceedings of the case in such a elear
and impartial manner the writer has deemed it correct that it be quoted. It said:
"Mr. Jones and Mrs. Guatier purchased of the Berlin Bealty Company one acre of land
in the tract known as The Moneta Garden Land Tract, in the ci^ of Los Angeles, by
mailing to the Berlin Bealty Company their check as the initial payment, which was
accepted by the Berlin Bealty Company. The company then mailed a contract to Mr.
Jones and Mrs. Guatier containing the following covenant and restriction: 'Said prop-
erty shall not be sold to or be occupied by any person not of the white or Caucasian
race.' Immediately upon receipt of the contract by Mr. Jones and Mrs. Guatier, and
their discovery of the restriction above set out, Mr. Jones notified the Berlin Bealty
Company that such was objectionable to himself and Mrs. Guatier and demanded a new
contract with the elimination of the restriction. Then the Berlin Bealty Company dis-
covered that Mr. Jones and Mrs. Guatier were persons not of the white race and the
company immediately returned the check to Mr. Jones and repudiated the contract.
'.'Mr. Jones and Mrs. Guatier at once consulted Attorney Darden, an expert on the
law of real estate, who has instructed and guided them to final victory through the
courts. Mr. Darden immediately filed suit in specific performance, and reformation of
the contract demanding that a deed be delivered without the objectionable restriction,
claiming that there was no authority in the law warranting a refusal to issue the deed
demanded and that the restriction in question was a violation of the Fourteenth Amend-
ment to the Constitution of the United States and contrary to public policy of the State
of California and the United States, which contentions were upheld by Judge Shenk.
"The Berlin Bealty Company is a company composed of Jews organised for the
purpose of subdividing and settling people on land in California and said company in
its brief contended tli^t the plaintiffs were merely attempting to extort money and in
answer to that contention we quote from Mr. Darden 's full and exhaustive brief the
following: 'The plaintiffs in this case are persons of high integrity and are, as the
court must have observed, quite intelligent; that from their reputation in this com-
munity they would not have entered into a scheme or any scheme to extort money from
any person or people whose condition and circumstances in many places, particularly in
Bussia, are similar to the Negro, and the plaintiffs are unable to understand how a
corporation composed of Jews, who are almost universally similarly circumstanced as
the Negro could enter into or become a part of any iniquitous scheme such as the Berlin
Bealty Company had entered into to further degrade the Negro.'
" 'A leopard cannot change his spots, and the said quotation is not only an axiom
but a truth well-known in human nature that Negroes cannot change their skin; they
cannot be assimilated into the white race and nature did not intend the two raees to
intermingle.' This last quotation is from Ingall W. Bull's brief as attorney for the
Berlin Bealty Company.
''In further reading the brief prepared by Mr. Darden, the paragraph which more
than any other in the brief was far-reaching in its effect and consequences upon the
mind of Judge Shenk is the following: 'If the defendant in this case were to prevail,
it would be possible for large land owners of the State of California and the United
States or for large syndicates to buy up or acquire all the land in the United States,
and then make an arbitrary selection of the residents who are to occupy and settle the
same. They could even say, with the same authority of the law to support them, that
no white man could own or acquire title to any land in the State of California or the
OF CALIFOKNU^ 199
United States and absolntely Bupphtnt the Caucasian race, if they felt so disposed.
^^Rmw*^ is 4fee. *«ason the ^tate of California and the United States have adopted con-
stitutions and made laws and rendered judicial decisions protecting property rights of
the citizens.'
"In prosecuting the case Mr. Darden relied upon the broad ground of public policy
and in his brief is found relative thereto the following: ^The only authentic and ad-
missible policy of the State upon any given subject are its constitution, laws and
judicial decisions. The public policy of a state of which courts take notice and to
which they give effect, must be decided from those sources and not by the varying
opinions of laymen, lawyers and judges as to the demands of the interests of the public.
(U. S. vs. Tran. Miss. Freight Association, 166, U. 8. 290.)' The brief continues: 'All
persons bom or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof
are citizens of the United States and of the States wherein they reside. No State shall
make or enforce any law which will abridge the privileges or immunities of the citizens
of the United States.
" 'This Court being an officer and representative of the State of California and
acting in judicial capacity for said State in the case at bar cannot construe and declare
valid the restriction in question or refuse to eliminate the same for the reason that
such a holding and declaration or refusal to eliminate would have the effect of enforcing
a law which would abridge the privileges and immunities of citizens of the United
States, and would therefore be void as in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the
Constitution of the United States and against the public policy of both the State of
California and the United States.
" 'Even if the law was not discriminating in terms, yet if it were even applied,
administered or enforced by public authority so as practically to make unjust discrim-
inations between persons similarly circumstanced in matters affecting their substantial
rights, the law should be held invalid as being a denial of equal protection of the law,
coming within the prohibition of the constitution of the United States; tha# our con-
tractual rights and guarantees would amount to nothing, and that is the reason why
the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States was made a part
of the fimdamental law of the land.'
"Attorney Darden concluded his able brief with the following: 'The defendant,
Berlin Bealty Company, will freely sell to whoever will buy, providing the buyer be
not of the Negro race. The vendee may be a gambler, pugilist, his hands may be stained
with human blood, and he may have committed every crime only that of suicide; he
may be so densely ignorant of our form of government that if asked concerning same
to answer that a kingdom is ruled by a king and a republic is ruled by a notary public,
and the purchase of such one will be viewed with delight, while that of an educated
and refined colored man devoted to his country and venerating its flag will be subject
to the machinery of the law. It needs no argument to show that this is an instance of
narrow race prejudices, born of intolerance, opposed to good citizenship and finds no
support in the law.'
"Judge Shenk, in rendering his decision, declared that the brief filed by Mr. Darden
in the case was as able and exhaustive as any he had ever seen or read in any case."
The case just quoted is one of many similar cases won by Attorney Darden in land
litigation. The New Age of Los Angeles had the following to say concerning this attor-
ney: "Mr^ Darden, the first of his race to go before the Supreme Court of this State,
has three victories before this court of last resort to his credit."
Mr. Charles Darden has won another important decision the first time ever won by
any attorney in the State of California. This case and verdict will affect the rich even
more than the poor Negro people in that it establishes a precedent that "A married
woman can sell community property without the consent of her husband, especially
when the title to same is vested solely in her name." The race papers in the entire
State were elated over the victory. The New Age had the following, in which it said:
"This decision or procedure secured by Mr. Darden 's legal ingenuity is not only far-
reaching in its effect, but sets precedence for the organic law of the State, and it will
enter into the pleadings of every attorney in the State who goes before the Superior
courts of the State with similar questions to be litigated touching upon that peculiar
phase."
The case involved in winning this verdict was as follows: "Case of M. Bandall
vs. Jane Washington and Samuel Washington her husband. The facts in the case are
as foUows: Mrs. Washington purchased three lots from a married woman by the name
of Delcia Donnelson, whose huband, at the time of the sale, was confined in the county
Jail charged with embezzlement. The money from the sale of the property was to bs
used in the defense of the husband. Subsequently Donnelson secured his liberty and
200 THE ^WjEO TRAIL BLS^*^ ^ ^AZEBS
went back to the family flTrnninffirlnrO^ >i — '^^^ a^^^ ^ai nj^ ti vMitc, dtwif tbt k W
not signed or joined with his wife in the deed of c6nyv^tavt^'*ii~ ^i.^ • ^^* ;»5ww?5k!- ^V
matter of fact the property was community property, and Mr. Donneison ii&d not
signed the deed."
Mr. Darden brought suit in the Superior Court, charging "unlawful detention of
premises/' and at the trial secured judgment, and Donnelson was subsequently evicted
from the premises. Donnelson then regained possession and it became necessary for
Mr. Darden to file his second suit in ejectment. This suit resulted in a second judg-
ment in Mr. Darden 's favor. The Donnelsons then jointly made a deed to ex-Judge M.
Bandall, who is himself an able attorney, who, they claim, paid them a fair market price
for their interest in the property. Mr. Banoall immediately brought suit against the
Washingtons, Mr. Darden 's clients, to quiet title. That suit came on for hearing about
July 8, 1909, and judgment was rendered in favor of Mr. Darden 's clients, making it a
victory of magnitude for Mr. Darden^ for it was the third winning of suits tet law on
the same property, covering a period of nearly two years' hard Utigation. From the
Superior Court an appeal was taken to the Supremo Court of the State, which court, on
the third day of October, rendered an opinion in favor of Mrs. Washington, which
opinion, being rendered by the Supreme Court of the State, is absolute and finaL The
whole time covered in hard and fierce litigation upon the property above mentioned was
nearly five years.
Attorney Darden has won many cases in the criminal courts. One attracting con-
siderable attention was the Edward Silva case, which Attorney Darden carried to the
Supreme Court three different times and, while not winning a reversal of the verdict,
succeeded in having his sentence changed to life imprisonment instead of the death
penalty.
Attorney Darden has also won many cases of discrimination against the race in
Los Angeles, the most notable of which was the one against the Balphs' grocery store,
a large retail store in that city. The one here referred to is one of their stores located
at 631-35 South Spring street. These stores serve light lunches at the soda fountains.
A white lady and her colored maid, together with the chauffeur, all entered the grocery
for their lunch, since they were downtown at lunch time. The grocery lunch counter
refused to serve the colored maid. Whereupon the lady, who was Mrs. Briggs, feeling
humiliated and embarrassed, brought suit against the store, and Attorney Darden was
employed to prosecute the same. He won a favorable verdict for his client.
Attorney Edward Burton Ceruti, the subject of this sketch, was bom in faraway
beautiful Nassau, of the Bahama West Indies. When he was four years old, his parents
moved to the United States, at which time the father became a naturalized citizen,
that his son and namesake might have a career under the Stars and Stripes. This son
was given the best education possible. * * He took a course in the St. Augustine Normal
and Industrial Institute. He also studied at Shaw University, Baleigh^ North Carolina;
Howard University, Washington, D. C; the Brooklyn Law School, Brooklyn, N. Y., and
the St. Lawrence University at Canton, N. Y. From the latter institution he was
graduated with the degree of bachelor of law."
After graduating from this institution, he came across the con^nent to Los Angeles
before beginning his career as a criminal attorney. ''At the beginning of his career
he trained for the ministry in the Episcopal church, served a congregation as eatecnist
for a season and even now, while deeply engrossed in a rapidly increasinsr business, he
finds time to serve as lay reader of St. Phillip's parish of Los Angeles, California."
Edward Burton Ceruti was admitted to practice law in Los Angeles County, Cali-
fornia, January 12, 1912, and in the United States District Court, March 10, 1912. It
was then that he began his career as an attorney. He has distinguished himself and
won a conspicuous place in the legal profession iJong the Pacific Coast because of his
notable achievements.
"He is essentially a criminal lawyer. In criminal cases he has won for himself a
standing second to no other criminal lawyer, in California. He is a man of pleasing
personality, of generous impulse and has been equipped for his work as a lawyer.
Attorney Ceruti has demonstrated in many instances that his preparation for the prac-
tice of law has been most thorough. His versatility evinces wide reading, profound
study and an intimate comprehension of human life and psychology of human action.
He is considered the most competent attorney among the colored profession in California
* * * and has won the respect and confidence of the leading attorneys and courts of
the Stak • • •
''Attorney Ceruti 's first famous case was that of People ajgainst Burr Harris, a
murdeycase, in which the defendant, a Negro, was charged with having killed Htk
Haski^s, a white woman of this city. It was by his ing^ip|i| m^n^^^^^t^^f the
1
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MRS. OWENS-BYNUM
Real Estate Dealer and Investor.
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202
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
HON. THEODORE W. TROY
Investor and Promoter of Mines, and
Furniture Dealer in I.os Angeles.
ATTORNEY HUGH E. MACBETH
(Harvard)
Member of the Executive Committee of
the Morals Efficiency Association
for,
'dfsm%'rySf&^^K
OP CALIFORNIA 203
def ei&Be that Burr Harris was acquitted of the crime. But about two years later this
aame Burr Harris was again arrested charged with a more horrible murder than that
of Mrs. Haskins. Under the most brutal circumstances, it was discovered that Mrs.
Oay, a white woman and a Christian Science practitioner, was found murdered. Harris
eonfessed to this murder and many other crimes, including the Haskins tragedy and
was finally convicted.
''This case became one of national interest. It attracted the attention of alienists
throughout this section of the country, some of them firm in their belief that Harris was
aiBieted with some strange form of recurring insanity. Attorney Ceruti waged a bitter
light in ihe Supreme Court in defense of Harris, attacking with great severity the
existing law respecting the criminal insane. His conduct of this case was one of the
most remarkable exhibitions of legal knowledge that has been witnessed in the courts
of Califomia for a number of years. * • • The most notable of the recent cases
handled by Mr. Ceruti was the Thomas Miller case, recently concluded at Santa Barbara,
GEilif omia. This case has gone down into history as one of the greatest criminal trials
that has ever taxed the courts of the State. The elements which conspired to make it
a great criminal case were these: First, Thomas Miller did kill a man and a woman
in Sfuita Barbara. Second, he was tried and convicted and sentenced to be hanged.
Third, an appeal was taken for a new triaL Fourth, Miller's acts created intense feeling
among all the people of Santa Barbara. The feeling was so bitter that not a single man
or woman, wUte or black, could be found who would tell anything he or she knew
about Miller and his eccentricities that would aid in any way the defense in its plea of
insanity. Fifth, by diligence, by painstaking effort on the part of Attorney Ceruti,
Thomas Miller was finally given a life sentence.
''It was without hope of reward that Attorney Ceruti seized this opportunity to
demonstrate his thorough knowledge of criminal law. * * * He took what appeared
to be an absolutely hopeless case, • • * which promises neither remuneration, praise
nor commendation, and when the odds were overwhelmingly against him. But so con-
vincing were his arguments, so skillful his examination, so painstaking his selection of
jurors that he was able to break down the thick wall of prejudices against his client
and secured the verdict above mentioned. • • • Three hunted and eighty men, many
of them prosperous business men representing the progress and advancement of Santa
Barbara County, were examined to serve on the jury. ♦ » ♦ Twelve men finally
qualified. One man, engaged in a popular business, * * * stated frankly to the court
that he believed Miller guilty simply because he was a Negro, the inference being that
all Negroes are criminals. • * • This frank admission brought forth the rebuke of
the court. • • •
"Mr. Ceruti deserves the heartiest praise of every member of the race for the
manner in which he conducted this history-making case. For embodied in this man are
social feelings and hopes for the Negro race which are rare in professional characters.
* * * Mr. Ceruti made a great sacrifice of time, energy and money to save the life of
this poor Negro man who, under a fit of insanity, committed the terrible crime with
which he was charged.
' ' A verdict was rendered which reflects great credit upon the legal skill of Attorney
Ceruti • • * The vigor, the courage, the persistence, the undaunted devotion of
Attorney Ceruti in this instance marks him as one of the greatest criminal lawyers in
the State. * * * In July, Thomas Miller, weak-minded from his youth, suffering
some strange mental aberration at all times, on this fatal morning attacked with an
unaccountable turn in his mental troubles, shot and killed, for no known reason, a man
whose name was Bert Baker, in Santa Barbara. He wounded the same morning, while
in his fit, a companion by the name of Smith, and later went to his rooming-place and
killed his landlady, Mrs. Howard, by shooting her six times. These acts created great
excitement in the beautiful little city by the sea, and racial feeling ran high on account
of the fact that Miller belonged to the Negro family.
"In September Miller was placed on trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to
be hanged. He was carried to the State penitentiary to await execution. In the mean-
time pressure was brought to bear. Attorney Ceruti was urged to appeal the case
and secure, if possible, a new triaL • * • Sentiment was violently opposed to Miller.
He had no friends among the people; both races were against him. • * • The brief
period of time between Miller and the gallows could be counted in short hours. But
Attorney Ceruti, * * * moved by the noble Christian impulse that values human life
above everything else, consented to defend this poor, unfortunate, condemned man. No
one beUeved that he could save his life.
"The appeal was granted^ Miller was given a new triaL For six weeks this trial
engrossed the serious attention of the people of Santa Barbara, ^^^^W^fvTf5^
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204 THE NEOBO TRAIL BLAZERS
interested in the outeome. Attorney Oemti became the chief attraction each busy day,
and while sentiment was clearly against his cause, he was, nevertheless, regarded by all
who visited the court as a great lawyer and a noble hero. The plea of insanity was
made. Testimony was brought to bear on this issue. Witnesses were called from all
parts of the State. The argument made by Attorney Geruti was one of the most eloquent
and convincing ever heard in Santa Barbara. He proved clearly that Thomas Miller
was not a sane man; that his acts were without reason or motive; that he did not know
at the time he committed them that he was committing unlawful acts. Few lawyers
have so unremittingly given themselves to so hopeless a task or have sacrificed as much
in behalf of a client. Attorney Geruti won a victory when he secured the verdict of
life instead of death. He saved a life and, considering aU the circumstances in this case,
he accomplished a wonderful thing indeed.
"Beside these great criminal cases, Attorney Geruti has been very successful in
the handling of discriminating suits in Galifomia. Just recently he won the case of
Williams versus New Ghina Gafe. In this case the New Ghina Gafe refused to serve
Williams and his wife. He also won the case of Gonners versus Glune's Theater, the
largest and most attractive in Los Angeles. Gonners and his wife were refused seats,
for which they had purchased tickets, in the main body of the house.
"The most recent success was the case of Golumbus versus La Petite Theater at
Santa Monica, on November 1, 1916. The case of Mrs. J. Golumbus versus La Petite
Theater was tried in the justice's court in the township of Santa Monica. Justice
Frank Shannon, of Sawtelle, presided. This was a suit for damages in which Mrs.
Golumbus alleged discrimination on account of her color at the company's theater on
the Ocean Front avenue, Santa Monica, in that the theater people refused her seats on
the main floor of the auditorium. On Monday, November 13, 1916, the justice rendered
his decision against the defendant company for the sum of $50 and costs, the amount
demanded by Mrs. Golumbus. Attorney E. Burton Geruti represented the plaintifF in
this action. Li speaking of this case, Mr. Geruti said: 'This decision is another stone
in that foundation on which rests our confidence in the courts generally and in Justice
Shannon particularly. The justice allowed the full amount prayed for in the plaintiff'^
complaint. This amount was small; in fact, the minimum sum allowed by law. Unless
the circumstances are aggravated or there be substantial injury incurred, no excessive
or speculative damage should be sought in these cases. It is not proper that we should
make capital of these offenses. An insult to our honor or dignity cannot be measured
in dollars and cents; money does not heal a wound. The end or aim of these actions
is to stop discrimination; to convince the wrong-doers that the law can and will be
enforced. This can be just as effectively accomplished with small judgments as with
larger ones. The compelling force lies in the certainty with which such offenses wiO
be punished. No good business man will subject his enterprise to a series of expensive
and .vexatious lawsuits, especially when his chances of success are slim.' "
Since the above cases cited were won by Attorney Edward Burton Geruti, he has
been called to Pasadena, Galifomia, to fight a suit of discrimination in that city. The
CcUifomia Eagle had the following, in which it said: "Galifomia made safe for the
Negro." Again it has been established that discrimination in this State will not and
should not be tolerated. On Tuesday, May 14, 1918, in the Superior Gourt, before Judge
Paul J. McGonnick, Attorney Geruti scored a victory over the apostle of discrimination.
A mixed jury awarded his cUents, Mrs. Banton and Mrs. Steward, damages in the aggre-
gated sum of one hundred dollars. On January 1, 1917, Mrs. Banton and Mrs. Steward,
prominent residents of this city, visited the Grown Gi^ Theater in Pasadena. Despite
the fact that the regular admission fee was ten cents, they were forced to pay twenty-
five cents. After entering the theater they learned on inquiry that, every one else had
paid a dime, and that all seats were ten cents. They were convinced that they were
the objects of discrimination. This they resented by filing suit for damage for the
sum of ^ye hundred dollars. Thus began the long and bitter legal controversy which
ended in their favor.
"The case is noteworthy because it is the first of its kind ever tried before a
mixed jury. But it is of a yet more vital significance because it proves that Sections
51-2-3 and 54 of the Givil Gode can be enforced and that all who dare restrict the
privileges of citizens on account of race, creed or color must expect adequate and Just
legal punishment.
"Mrs. Banton and Mrs. Steward, together with their intrepid attorney, are to be
congratulated on the perseverance and courage they have shown in the fighting of this
long and perhaps disheartening struggle. They have, through their efforts established a
judicial precedent favorable to the race, and thereby 'Made Galifomia safe for the
Negro.' '' J
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OP CALIFORNIA 205
William Lenton Stevens, the subject of this sketeh, is a native of Texas, eoming
to Galifomia in August, 1903. He was appointed patrolman after taking the CivU
Service examination on April 25, 1905. As soon as the detective department of the
city was placed under civil service, Mr. Stevens took the examination and was appointed
October 16, 1912, being the first colored man placed in this department on the Pacific
Coast.
He has made some of the most important arrests and assisted in the prosecution of
some of the greatest criminals that the city and State have known. Having been highly
commended for bravery and, efficient work in The Police Bulletin on different occasions,
Mayor Alexander, during his administration, recommended that Mr. Stevens be given a
medal for bravery.
Detective Sergeant Stevens is a thirty-second degree Mason, Shriner and Forester.
He enjoys the highest respect of all the leading citizens of both races for his dutif nlness,
integrity and progressiveness.
Mr. Sidney P. Dones, the subject of this sketch, has a life filled with inspiration
for those who think that poverty is a bar to success. He is practically a self-made man,
and, while young in years, for he was bom in Marshall, Texas, February 18, 1887, he
attended the rural public schools until he was fifteen years old, when he decided that
he wished a better education. To accomplish this meant to attend some preparatory
department of a race college. He worked nine months in the year, picking cotton or
anything else on the rural farms, and attended school the remaining three months. The
small sum he was enabled to earn did not equal enough to supply him with the luxury of
a coal oil lamp, whereby he could study at night. Nothing discouraged him and he
studied by night, using a pine torch.
Mr. Sidney Dones by the time he was sixteen years of age had by hard study pre-
pared himself to stand an examination and to be admitted to Wiley University at
Marshall, Texas. Entering the academic department, he later graduated after mastering
an English course. He then entered the college department and studied for two years,
when, on account of his father 's death, he had to assume the responsibility of the family,
and gave up college.
Later he came to Ix>s Angeles, and worked as a plain day-laborer, which enabled
him to further assist the family. It was while thus working that he fully realized that
he had sufficient education to go into business for himself. He wished an office of his
own, but his business was not sufficient for him to pay rent. Not being too proud to
work, he did the janitor work for the building, thus paying for his own office rent.
He was determined to climb. This has resulted in that today he is considered the
leading young real estate dealer in Los Angeles, having a suite of offices in the Ger-
main building.
While he was climbing in the real estate business, he read law for six years. This
prepared him so that today he is the head of the Bookertee Livestment Company, deal-
ing in real estate and insurance.
On June 18, 1913, he married Miss Bessie Williams, a musician of prominence. The
union was blessed by the birth of a daughter, Sidnetta. He owns a beautiful home and
a touring car. He was a candidate for the City Council of Los Angeles during the
spring of 1917, but was defeated. He has been an active worker for all of the Liberty
Loans, and untiring in his efforts to fully explain to the people the advantages of the
Lioan. It is the wish of his friends that some day he will represent the race in the
legislative halls of the State.
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CHAPTER XVII
A Song of Old Dbvahs in the Musical Life op thb Pioneee and Pbbsknt
Day Trail Blazers
"Sometimes amid the tumnlt and the throng.
We hear an old sweet song,
A broken strain from one we used to hear
Back in some jester year;
A melody borne through tiie drifting base
Of life 's forgotten days.
The tumult dies around us, strangely thrilled
With roar of traffic stilled;
Our eyes are dinuned — our hearts turn back — and then
We dream old dreams again.
"Sometimes beneath Love's new-found, smiling skies
Bemembered perfumes rise;
An incense from the violet or rose.
Where summer's south wind blows;
Lost fragrance from old lanes of mignonette,
That love cannot forget;
And in the twilight or the dawn we turn
To where old altars bum;
And new-found love must bide its moments; then —
We dream old dreams again." — Anontmoub.
Thus we of today in beautiful California, as we study the history of the pioneer
colored people, with their trials and discouragements; and, as we review the sketches
given of their chOdren in the musical world and in letters and science reaching sueh
great heights, we truly feel like singing with the poet just quoted that "We dream
old dreams again. ' ' We measure a man 's success in life by the distance he has climbed
to the position he wins for himself and thereby honors his race.
Let the reader review the musical career of Madam Sara Miles-Taylor and her
brother, William Blake. They are children of an early-day Negro miner. The life of a
colored miner was filled with numerous hardships, but more than one endured it all
that they might give to their children a good education. These two persons just men-
tioned were given the best education then possible in California, after which they went
east and builded upon the foundation lietid in California. In after years they became
renowned musicians in the several branches they decided best suited to their liking,
Mr. William Blake became a great band master and instructor of musical instruments in
San Francisco, while his sister, Sara Miles-Taylor, was acknowledged a great singer and
artist in the musical world of two continents. She married Mr. Alex Taylor, niio was
an excellent performer on the piano. They realized the value of thorough training and
went east to better prepare themselves for a musical career.
After becoming sufficiently trained, they toured the United States, and then England,
France and Germany. While in Prague they were blessed by the birth of a son. The
first colored chUd to have been bom in that city, whereupon the ruler and his wife
acted as the child's godparents, and gave it for a christening gift a sum of money
that would equal two hundred and fifty dollars in United States currency.
There were others who distinguished themselves in the musical world in pioneer
days. They, in after years, returned to Cidifomia, crowned with honors, to spend the
remaining « days of their lives. The writer has in mind the "Famous C^ifomia
Vocalists," who, after touring the world, returned to the United States and to the State
of California, with all the laurels that a critical musical public showered upon them.
In a book by Mr. James Monroe Trotter, called "Music and Some Highly Musical
People," in referring to these singers^ among other things said: "The Famous CaU-
fomia Vocalists, Anna Madah and Emma Louise Hyer, made their debut before an
audience of eight hundred people at the Metropolitan Theater on April 22, 1867, at
Sacramento, California. On this occasion, as on others afterward in San Francisco and
other places in California, their efforts were rewarded with grand success. The musical
critics and the press awarded them unstinted praise and even pronounced them
wonderful."
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OP CALIFORNIA 207
The author then quoted from ther 8<m Francisco Chronicle of that date, which said:
''Their musical powers are acknowledged and those who heard them last evening were
unanimous in their praises, saying that rare natural gifts would insure for them a
leading position among the prima donnae of the age. Miss Madah has a pure, sweet
soprano voice, very true, even flexible, of remarkable compass and smoothness."
These words of praise can be more fully appreciated when the reader learns that
her program was a "Wagnerian one." The critic's comment on her rendition of a
selection from the ''Bhine Maidens" said: "Her rendition of a selection from this
number was almost faultless and thoroughly established her claim to the universal com-
mendation she has received from all lovers of melody who heard her."
In commenting upon the voice of her sister, the critic said: "Miss Louise is a
natural wonder, being a fine alto singer and also the possessor of a pure tenor voice.
Her tenor is of wonderful range, and in listening to her singing it is dif&cult to believe
that one is not hearing a talented young man instead of the voice of a young girl."
These criticisms were made, as the reader will note, without a single reference to the
singers being. of the African race, which is conclusive evidence that they were judged
according to their merits. The singers thereby established their claim as musical artists
of that period to sing such high-class music and win critical musical favor.
While the writer was traveling over the State in quest of data for this book, she
. had the unexpected pleasure of meeting in Sacramento one of the singers. Miss Madah,
who is now the wife of the well-known and highly respected Dr. Fletcher, located in
that city. The writer immediately told the lady her mission and attempted to interview
Mrs. Fletcher, but, like most great artists, she was retiring and did not care to talk.
But after convincing her of the good she could do for struggling musicians by telling
that many years ago there lived in Sacramento, California, a young colored girl,, scarcely
in her teens, who had given a * * Wagnerian * ' program in the city theater, in which she
had won unstinted praise from the musical critics of the daily press, Mrs. Fletcher
consented to tell the writer of her travels all over the world, and showed some highly
interesting newspaper dippings which spoke in the highest terms of her artistic singing
and the wonderful range and sustaining tones of her voice. It was interesting to listen
to her tell of her trip across the continent with her parents to Boston for additional
training. While in Boston she sang before the world renowned Madame Adelina Patti.
After spending years in training, the sisters toured the United States, and then
they joined the late Sam Lucas in "Out of Bondage" and toured Europe, and later
joined John W." Isham's "Famous Octoroons." While members of this company they
went to the Hawaiian Islands and Australia. It was while in this company that the
papers spoke of Miss Madah as the "Bronze Patti." Mrs. Fletcher has a charming
I>er8onality and is a delightful conversationalist.
After the interview the writer was introduced to Mrs. Fletcher's mother, who, in
speaking of her daughter's career, said that on their first appearance in the Metropolitan
Theater in Sacramento she sang with them. Her maiden name was Miss Oyer and she
married Mr. Sam P. Hyer, who came to California before forty-nine.
Mr. Denis Carter, a pioneer musical artist on musical instruments, came to California
before forty-nine. He followed mining for a short time, when he decided to return to
the profession he practiced at his home in Philadelphia. He was a musical instructor
on musical instruments. Mr. Carter readily formed classes in a circuit of cities,
beginning with Grass Valley and ending in San Francisco. Mr. Dennis Carter was a
master of the bass viol, and among his pupils he had the distinction of having Mr.
Markus Blum, who in after years become a distingruished band master in San Francisco.
The pioneer persons remember and tell with pleasure of the Blum Band which was the
joy of old San Francisco before the fire of 1906. A Professor Mueller acted as pianist
in Mr. Dennis Carter's school of music. Among Mr. Carter's colored pupils the fol-
lowing names have been given: Preston Alexander, John Adams, William Cantine and
Abraham Holland.
John O. Coursey, another music teacher of pioneer days, had the distinction of
being a member of the Pacific Board of Musicians of San Francisco, in 1866. Among
his pupils are the names of Miss Ophelia Randall and Virginia and Louise Campbell
who were considered fine singers. He had other pupils who in after years were inter-
nationally distinguished. In this list occurs the names of Cyrus Smith, the Pumell
Sisters and Mr. and Mrs. Sampson Williams, all of San Francisco. The last-named were
no less persons than Madam Selika and her husband, who had the best and most won-
derful baritone voice of any Negro singer in America.
There were many organizations doing good work in those days to encourage the
study of music among our people. The Pacific Musical Association was organized in
1877, and met every Monday night in the West Indian Benevolent Society hall, on
208 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Pacific street, San Francisco. The following named persons were officers and members:
President, William H. Carter; yice-president^ Harry Givens; treasorer, J. 8. Eipwith;
Secretary, George W, Jackson; musical director, D. E. Jackson; members, J. H. Smith,
Sara E. Miles, prima donna; Mary Josephine Miles, contralto; piano, William Blake;
tenor, D. B. Jackson; baritone, Sampson Williams; soprano, Mrs. Sampson WilUams;
baritones, Mrs. Perkins, and M. S. Sampson; mezzo-sopranos, Fanny Master, Mary Appo,
Ophelia Bandall and Miss Tennie Edmonds.
There are many others who might be added to this list of organizations and persons
who distinguished themselves in a musical career during pioneer days, but it will be
impossible to continue this period of the musical life of the "Negro Trail Blazers;"
and yet it cannot be closed with justice and not mention an account of the musical
career of one who distinguished himself long after that period, and yet was of that
period. This refers to Mr. Joseph Green, who had the distinction of being the only
trombone player in the Alphia Orchestra of San Francisco. He served with them for
thirty-five years, during which time he played in the celebrated Palm Court of the Old
Palace Hotel before the fire of 1906. Mr. Green's trombone playing was one of the
attractions of the orchestra, and, like the Palace Hotel of San Francisco, was loved
over the world. The popularity of this hotel and the continuous playing of this Negro
musician for. so many years recalls to mind an expression made to the writer throng a
letter from the distinguished white musical director of Oakland, California, Professor
Alexander Stewart. The writer had extended an invitation to the different musical
directors of the white i»ace around the Bay cities to attend a concert given by the great
Negro musician, Professor Robert Jackson, director of music of the Western Beserve
University of Kansas City, Missouri. The concert was given in Oakland, and, after its
rendition, one of the directors sent the following letter, in which he said: "It is very
gratifying to me to find the colored people doing so much in music that is worth while.
We certainly owe them a debt of gratitude already for their contribution to musieal
art. I honestlyi believe that music is to play a very important part, if not the most
important part, in the future development of the colored people toward higher ideals.
• • • Tours sincerely, — (Signed) Alexander Stewart."
Coming down to more recent date, we find the <'La Estrella Mandolin" club playing
for the millionaires on "Nob Hill" before the fire of 1906, and a Mr. D. W. McDonald,
a leader of an orchestra likewise employed. Mrs. Laura Logan-Tooms, who was not
only a good musician and teacher, but an organizer of church choirs, especially during
her residence in San Jose, now has a daughter recently graduated from the girls' high
school of San Francisco who has a wonderful voice and is having it trained. There was
another lady of that period who was an excellent musician and won fame throoghout
the United States, and that was a Miss Jose Morris.
In connection with music, there was another line that sent out to the world many
persons who won distinction in the dramatic art. Miss Cecilia Williams, who was a
Shakesperian tragedienne. She also wrote good verse, as will be seen from some of her
poems in the literary chapter. The Bay Cities Dramatic Club, of San Francisco, did
much to encourage the young colored men and women in California. It was this dnb
which discovered and did much in developing the possibilities of Mr. Bert Williams, of
Williams and Walker. Mr. Williams has long won the distinction of being the greatest
comedian on the American stage.
The above, giving an account of the activities of the "Pioneer Musical Trail
Blazers," is no less interesting than "The Present Day Trail Blazers" in the musical
world. The present day musician has not allowed any of the advantages gained by the
pioneers to slip from his grasp. He has gone even further and has won distinction in
conservatories while competing with white students. In this particular, one girl won a
diamond medal. There will not be found in this department one single sketch except of
those who have spent time in actual study to make finished artists of themselves.
One of the conditions to admit a sketch in this department has been that the person be
a real musical student. The writer realizes that far too many persons call them-
selves musicians who have never trained a single day and have never even had their
work criticized by persons capable of giving an opinion of value. Such persons are not
much to encourage the study of the art of music. Hence the writer is heading this
department with a sketch of one who recognized the necessity of such training from a
scientific standard. The first sketch, as the reader will note, is that of Professor William
T. Wilkins, who deserves great credit. He is the greatest pianist and teacher of the
same in Calif omia.
The next sketch is that of Professor Elmer Bartlett, the greatest pijje organist of
California. His sketch shows plainly what one can do and the reward coming from such
thorough study. He is the best trained Negro organist, inoi^^e^tf^'^y^ of any
OP CALIFORNIA 209
Kegro in the United States. There are other men who may be better known, but none
who have had better training in the art of pipe organ playing and instruction.
The next sketch is of Mrs. Corrine Bush-Hicks, who studied in London, England,
and then Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert, who won a diamond medal. This one is followed
ty one from Miss Pearl Hinds, who won distinction in music at Oberlin College and at
the Conservatory of Music in Boston Massachusetts.
Then Mrs. Gertrude Pillow-Kelley, who has been wonderfully trained, both in
Canada and in Los Angeles. Then there must be made special mention of Mrs. Teat,
who has the distinction of being the only teacher in California who has been trained
in Boston to teach the Fletcher Copp method for beginners; also Miss Marie H. Ford,
who has won distinctive training at the Conservatory of Music in Chicago, and has
saecessfully promoted concerts for the race in Los Angeles, taxing the capacity of the
Trinity Auditorium. Mention could be made of each contributor in the chapter, but
the reader perhaps would not care to read these interesting sketches.
The writer considers it a privilege to present to the reader this sketch of the
Musical Trail Blazer, Professor William T. Wilkins, of Los Angeles, California, a man
of whom the race can feel justly proud. We often read of musicians as geniuses. The
writer calls the subject of this sketch an artist. The word ''genius" too often is used,
especially in speaking of colored persons in the musical world, to denote their super-
natural gifts in the art of music, without the hard and careful study which is absolutely
necessary to produce a real musician. This man has won his right to the title of artist
or professor, in that he has been willing, at the advanced age of twenty years, to begin
at the very beginning to learn music by note. He had the determination to win for
himself a place in the musical world and considered it a pleasure to surmount any
difficulties to accomplish this aim.
Professor Wilkins is the son of a musician and leader of a band in which he had all
three of his children play. His father is a musician of the old school and taught his
children to play by ear. Toung William at the age of three years, was placed on a box
and taught to play a bass drum in strict time. When he was older he played the snare
drum in his father 's fife and drum corps.
His father is a tinner, sheet-iron and hardware worker and was anxious that his
son William learn the trade also. He was ambitious to advance his children's oppor-
tunity in life, and for that reason moved with his family from Little Bock, Arkansas,
to Oklahoma. Later, finding the schools not as advanced as he would have liked, he
moved to Los Angeles, California, where he entered his children in the magnificent
schools of that place.
Before leaving Oklahoma he taught William how to play a few chords on the piano,
and thus accompany him on the piccolo, and after this William learned to play the
eomet. When they moved to Los Angeles, William's musical education was not given
any more consideration. Instead he was taught thoroughly the trade of tinner and
mechanic. This resulted in William, at the age of thirteen years, building a stationary
engine which was so perfectly done that he readily sold it. The money thus obtained he
nsed to further his studies in engineering. He invested the entire sum in a scholarship
in the American Correspondence School of Electrical Engineering.
William readily advanced in his studies. When he entered the Polytechnic school,
he spent his recess period in playing on the school piano. This attracted his teacher,
and then the music teacher of the school, Mr. M. H. Grist, gave Mm a few private les-
sons in the art of reading music by note. During the years he attended the Polytechnic
school he at the same time pursued a course of study through the American Correspond-
ence school. When he received his diploma from the Polytechnic school he almost at
the very same time received a certificate from this correspondence school for an electrical
engineer. He readily found employment with the Edison Electrical Light and Power
Company of Los Angeles.
His thirst for a musical education finally led to his consulting the well-known
musical instructor, Professor Von Stein, head of the conservatory, by the same name.
Having saved the money earned by working for the Edison Company, he was enabled
to immediately begin the desired instruction. The long hours required for practice work
on the piano compelled him to resolve that he would resign from his position, notwith-
standing he was the first Negro boy to find .employment with the Edison Light and
Power Company. He worked for them as Une inspector for ten months, when he
resigned his podtion.
William, having saved his money while employed by the Edison company, thought
this sum would see him through a course of music. But he was soon doomed to disap-
pointment, since he had gone to the highest-priced teacher in the dty. His father being
determined that William should follow the trade of an elect^c^ eng^^^ ^|^no
210 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
effort to assist him to study music by note. William, being equally determined to be a
musician, thought long and seriously as to how he could earn the price of his lessons and
also have time to practice. The only practical door opened to him was the cutting of
lawns. He canvassed the fashionable residence districts of Los Angeles, and, securing
enough customers, he retained them for years.
His faithfulness to duty soon won him friends among his customers, who, after
learning of his ambition to become a musician, invited him to come in and play for
them and their guests. It was then that William discovered that he had advanced to
that place where he needed a good piano. His father was unimpressed, and William,
still being determined, asked a friend, a Mr. Hill, to permit him to practice on his good
piano. After this event William T. Wilkins won his father to realizing that he was
sincere in his desire to become a great musician and purchased him a good piano.
William, however, earned the price of his lessons by the cutting of lawns for over six
years. After which Professor Von Stein gave him a certificate and advised him to teach
music to his people or any one wishing his services.
Professor Wilkins had set his determination to not only teach, but some day become
a great piano soloist. He secured a few pupils and immediately placed himself under
the instruction of another well-known musician. Professor Brahm Van der Berg, also of
Los Angeles. This instructor is the well-known Belgian solo pianist, who at one time
was connected with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and also associated with Emma
Calve and Theo. Leschetizky.
Professor Wilkins' success as a teacher was so great from the very first that he felt
safe on September 1, 1916, in opening a music school. This has been such a success
that today he employs ten teachers, has five pianos and two of these are grand pianos.
His school has departments where he has competent teachers in the giving of voice cul-
ture, the piano and violin. During the coming year he contemplates adding dramatic
readings.
During the long years of his struggles to master tlie art of music he has won and
retained the highest respect of the best members of both races in the City of Los
Angeles. He has been shown the distinction of having the first Negro sketch accom-
panied by a photograph to^ appear in the oldest musical journal published on the coast,
The Pacific Coast Journal of Muaic, having solicited and published the same in a recent
issue. In the same issue appeared the pictures and sketches of white musical artists of
international fame. Among this number was Mr. James Goddart, of Oovent Garden,
London, England, Royal Opera Company.
Professor William T. Wilkins gives a public students' and teachers' recital every
May. After the one given in 1917 he received a letter from Mr. Carl Bronson, a music^
critic for the largest daily papers of Los Angeles, and also director of the First M. E.
Church Choir Association, which consists of one hundred and fifty voices, many of whom
are world-renowned. In his letter to Professor Wilkins, Mr. Bronson said:
Los Angeles, California, May 24, 1917.
"My Dear Mr. Wilkins: After having inspected your system of teaching, I am
thoroughly convinced that you are giving your people the exact science of music in a
manner as simple as it is unaffected, and that every attentive student will acquire the
principles of that art as laid down by the greatest standards of the world. I am
amazed at your achievements and feel that somehow you are divinely endowed to carry
life's greatest message to your people. May you ever prosper.
<* Devotedly yours,
' ' (Signed) Cabl Bbonson. ' '
Professor Wilkins' recital for 1918 was given in the Lyceum Theater, which will
easily seat a thousand persons. The admission price was fifty cents. A few hours
before the recital came an unusual occurrence, the first in many years, when the City of
Los Angeles was visited by a thunderstorm, rain, snow and lightning. This storm
lasted all afternoon. The recital opened on time with standing room only. In the
audience were recognized many white eminent musical instructors and their families.
The pupils played a difficult program with ease and confidence. The class consisted of
one hundred and fifty students, many of whom were white. The race people were
thrilled with pride and delight over this acknowledgment of the ability ,of one who is
genuinely representative of the Negro race. He has by his ability broken down a great
barrier for the race. This recital was attended by Professor Carl Bronson, who, after
the close of the progpram, addressed the audience and highly complimented Professor
WUkins and his students. Professor Ray Hastings also sent a good letter:
Digitized by KJKJK^fWlK.
OP CALIFORNIA 211
"Bay Hastinos
'^ Organist, Temple Baptist Church, Clune Auditorium Theater
**2764 Boxbury Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
^ ' Mr. William T. Wilkins. '* May 16, 1917.
"Dear Friend: Your program last night was indeed a treat. The result of your
teaching was astonishing. However, after attending two of such recitals, and when I
remember your exceptional talent, splendid training and inclination to really ' do things, '
111 expect it always to be 'number one.' You are doing a great work.
* * Success to you,
"(Signed) Bay Hastings."
"P. 8. — Miss Wilson, in her absolute poise and masterful style, is certainly a
'wonder.* "
"Los Angeles Polytechnic SchooL
' * Department of Music. Mrs. Gertrude B. Parsons, Head of Department.
"Los Angeles, California; June 18, 1917.
-'Mr. Wm. T. Wilkins,
' ' 1325 Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California.
"Dear Mr. Wilkins: I take great pleasure in expressing to you my appreciation
of the splendid work done by your school music students at the recent recital given in
Lyceum Hall. The assurance, precision and good taste exhibited in the work of the
young people was delightful to witness, and the fact that they played and sang from
memory was most commendable. I congratulate you upon the wonderful work you are
doing with your people, and certainly the highest praise is due you for your years of
indomitable perseverance — which are now bearing fruit. May success always crown
your efforts.
"Most sincerely,
"(Signed) Gebtbudb B. Paesons."
This lady was a former teacher of Professor Wilkins.
"Juvenile Court, Los Angeles.
"Sidney N. Beeve, Judge.
"Probation Department, Tenth Floor, Hall of Becords.
' ' Los Angeles, California, June 21, 1916.
"To Whom It May Concern: Mr. William T. Wilkins has in his possession several
very good letters of praise and recommendation from prominent people, and I am very
glad to say a word in his behalf. I have known the young man, who is now twenty-nine
years of age, since he was twelve years old. I have watched his career as he has
climbed up step by step, working his way through high school and into his present
position and musical attainments. He is worthy of every encouragement that the people
of Los Angeles can give him, and I am sure that he will some Saj be recognized as a
genius.
' ' Bespectf uUy,
" (Signed) Mrs. A. J. Bradley."
"Department 10, with the Juvenile Court."
The daily papers have been most kind to Professor Wilkins, as will be seen from
the fact that, at the opening of the musical season of 1914, the Los Angeles Tribune-
Express f October 14, of that year, appeared with the following head-Hue: "Los Angeles
Negro Musical Genius. Concert season opens October 20." The article concerning this
Negro musician appeared at the right of the page with a full two-columi^ cut of the
professor at the piano. Opposite his picture was that of Madam Olive-Fremsted, the
aoprano singer of the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York.
The Tribune-Express proprietor the following Christmas gave a dinner to a thousand
newsboys. For their entertainment he invited the best singers and other musicians in
the city. Among this number he included Professor William T. Wilkins. He was
honored previous to hia appearance with a two-column write-up which appeared in this
paper. After the dinner, the following letter was sent to the professor by Mr. Noah
D. Thompson, who is on the editorial staff of the Tribune-Express,
'* Tribune-Express Editorial Booms,
"Los Angeles, California, December 27, 1914.
"Dear Mr. Wilkins: I am sending you today under separate cover several copies
of the Express and Tribune which sp^ak of your excellent performance at the Christmas
dinner given in honor of one thousand newsboys by Mr. Edward T. Earl, owner and
pubUsher of the above daily papers. P.g,^,,^^ ^^ vjv^v^/vi^
212 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
"It 18 very gratifying for me to note that one thousand hungry newsboys stopped
eating to listen to your composition8.Thanking you on behalf of the management of
the papers for your contribution toward the success of the dinner to the local newsies,
I am, yours truly,
"(Signed) Noah D. Thompson."
The day will come when not only the musical public of his own race, but others,
will acclaim Professor William T. Wilkins a great pianist. He has written several
musical compositions that musicians say if published will be well received, especially
"The Path of Destiny." At this writing he is studying under the greatest authority
on Bussian music in America, Professor Jaroslaw de Zielinski, who is so noted that he
has already had his name given prominence in the Encyclopaedia of Music. He is
spoken of as an author, composer and pianist. He writes for the Etude and is director
of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, an institution which has been established
for over thirty-five years.
Professor Elmer C. Bartlett, the subject of this sketch, was bom March 18, 1887,
at Galena, Cherokee County, Elansas. He was educated in the high schools of that city;
came to Los Angeles in 1903; studied the piano under Professor Henry Amiraux, of
Paris Conservatory, for three years. Professor Elmer C. Bartlett, after this foundation
was so splendidly laid, decided that he would begin the study of his chosen life's work
and began the study of the pipe organ under the best teacher in America, Professor
Ernest Douglass, F. A. G. O. This teacher has founded a method of organ playing that
is used in five leading colleges in America. He is at the head of the Douglass School of
Organ Playing. Mr. Bartlett studied under this renewed teacher for five years, and at
the present time is preparing to take the examination to become a member of the
American Guild of Organists.
Professor Elmer C. Bartlett has held the position as pipe organist of the First A.
M. E. Church since 1909, in Los Angeles, California. He is a successful teacher of the
piano and pipe organ, and enjoys a large and intelligent class of pupils. He married,
in 1910, Miss Gertrude Bruce and has a beautiful home and studio at 936 Pico street,
Los Angeles.
There is not a sketch in the entire book that the writer enjoys more giving to the
reader than the one concerning Professor Bartlett. He is, in her opinion, the best pipe
organist of the Negro race. He understands and^ is able to get the soul of harmony
from the instrument. He is a finished performer. The writer bases this opinion on the
following knowledge: Having attended a summer session of pipe organ musical leeturee
given at the University of California through the American Organist Guild to stimulate
and encourage an appreciation of the pipe organ, she afterward attended a fall and
winter course of musical lectures an^ recitals by the world-renowed Professor Clarence
Eddy, given on the pipe organ. This knowledge has enabled the writer, although not a
performer, to judge and ftdly appreciate a good and soulful performer on that grand
instrument, the pipe organ. Professor Bartlett may not be as well-known as a number
of other Negro pipe organists, but the day wUl come when the world will acclaim hia
ability, thus adding another star to the glory of the Negro race.
The next sketch of interest is that of Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert, diamond medaliat,
who comes from a long line of ancestors who were musicians. She is the daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Cole, who moved to Los Angeles from Detroit, Michigan, with
their daughter when she was ten years old. Her father is a son of the well-known real
estate holder, the late Hon. James H. Cole, who died leaving large and valuable real
estate holdings in the City of Detroit, Michigan, having made his wealth as a black-
smith and carpenter. Her mother was a member of the Original Fisk Jubilee Singers
and the daughter of Mrs. Hatfield-Chandler, who was the organizer and sang in the first
colored Baptist church choir in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her grandfather, Mr. Hatfield, was
associated with Levi-Cofin, of Cincinnati, as an active member of the "Underground
Bailroad."
The reader will note that Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert was fortunate in having been
bom with a splendid foundation for a musical career. The mere fact of her grand-
father having been an active member of the "Underground Bailroad" would endow
her with a spirit of undaunted courage to ever do the best for herself and the race.
Her parents, coming from a long line of musicians, and being mudcal artists, early
recognized their daughter's talent for music. They slso recognized the value of a good
education. Their daughter was thoroughly educated in the public schools and the
University of Southern Calif omia.
Her musical training began with the best teachers available, placing her under the
instruction of Madame Windsor, of Los Angeles. When she had advanced snfileiently,
they continued her studies at the conservatory, after which jBA,ff,-.§f?5^<fH^^ fk Potion aa
OP CALIFORNIA 213
leading soprano or the prim^ donna of the ''Midland Jubilee Singers." She filled the
position less than six months when she married one of the managers.
Her husband is a son of the late Rev. Talbert, the former traveling financial secre-
tary of Wilberf orce College, Ohio. He readilj recognized her wonderful voice, which
resulted in her instantly leaving the stage to continue her musical studies at the Chicago
Musical College.
While a student of the college she won a partial scholarship and was presented fn
student's recital during her first semester. She graduated with the class of 1916. In a
public competition before thirty members of the faculty and judges, she won first place
out of a class of sixty students, and was the only Negro member of the class. Her course
at the Chicago Musical College consisted of Italian, composition, harmony, and vocaL
She averaged one hundred in each subject. She also won the first prize, a diamond
medal, the first time it was ever won by a colored student. The winning of the medal
gave her the honor of singing at the commencement exercises accompanied by the Chicago
Symphony Orchestra of one hundred pieces. Her selection on this occasion was "Caro
Nome," from "Bigoletto," sung in ItflJian. The following are some of the musical
criticisms she has received from musicians of both races:
"Chicago Musical College,
"624 Michigan Boulevard.
Chicago, Illinois, October 9, 1917.
"To Whom It May Concern: Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert has studied in the Chicago
Musical College in the voice and theory department and has accomplished highly
remarkable results in her work. She won the diamond medal of her class and sang
with the greatest success at the commencement exercises of the institution. There can
be no doubt that she should become a very successful vocal artist.
"Yours very truly,
"PiLix BoEOWSKi, President.*'
"Pedro T. Tinsley,
"Author of Tone Placing and Voice Development,
"6448 Drexel Avenue.
"Chicago, Illinois, October 6, 1917.
"Esteemed Mrs. Talbert: There are two things I wish to speak of concendng your
art. First, your singing appeals to me because you seem to sing without trying. We
all like to hear singers sing, and not work at it. Second, the most artistic thing about
your work is the interpretation of the text. With good wishes, I am
"Sincerely yours,
"PSDSO T. TmsLBT."
"Andre Tridon,
"Lecturer and Critic.
"New York City, August 4, 1917.
"Dear Mrs. Talbert: One of the things I have enjoyed this summer (on Com-
munity Chautauqua) was the opportunity to listen day after day to your very luscious
voice. A voice as well trained as yours, and with such an unusual range, should finally
gain recognition outside of the very narrow circle to which barbarous superstitution
is endeavoring to limit it. My friend Josef Transky and Modest Altschuler will hear
about you as soon as I reach New York. Your day will come I am sure, and that day no
one will feel happier than the man who has watched you closely doing your very best in
tilings generally unworthy of your talent. That fact is a guarantee that you will succeed.
"Yours very cordially,
' ' Tbidon. ' '
After receiving such wonderfully encouraging letters, Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert
decided to take the advice of the eminent vocalist, Madam Azalia Haekley, and tour
alone. The following letter is self-explanatory:
"Mrs. Florence Cole-Talbert is my ideal of what a colored singer should be. She
has arrived at an earlier age and with more musicianship and educational equipment
than any artist the race has known. When she won the diamond medal in one short
term at the Chicago Musical College, I was not surprised, for she has the combination
of beautiful voice and musical intelligence that may only be found among the great
artists of the country. I have known her all her life and have planned this tour for
her that she may be heard by more of her own people; as heretofore her efforts have
have been confined to the lyceum and Chautauqua circuits. I hope that every promoter
and school will avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing Mme. Talbert. She is
most worthy of your patronage.
"B. AK«T.Ti^ Hacklbt."
(Eminent Vocalist, Direct^^i^j ^C:A»%^ie
214 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Since receiving this sketch, Madame H, Talbert has been called by the dailj press
the "Bronze Galli Gurci," and has received highlj commendable letters from Mr.
Harry Burleigh and many other high musicians.
Mrs. Corrine Bush-Hicks, the subject of this sketch, was bom and educated in
the public schools of Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. Her mother discovered her musieal
ability when she was entering her teens, and immediately employed a celebrated voeaJist
to instruct her daughter, Madame Jennie Jackson Dehart, a former member of the First
Fisk Jubilee Singers, whose own voice had been so well trained that she won the title
of the "Black Swan.'' The mother of Miss Bush recognized the value of instmction in
voice culture from a teacher whose own voice had been correctly placed. The success
of her selection can be judged when it is known that she correctly placed Miss Corrine
Bush's voice so that in after years she developed and retained all its qualities as a
genuine lyric soprano.
It was while the subject of this sketch was in high school that Mrs. Dehart had the
privilege of introducing her pupil to a Miss Henson, who, as an advance agent, was in
America in search of a soprano voice to join the * * Louden Fisk Jubilee Singers. ' ' This
troop, at the time, was traveling under the personal direction of Mr. F. J. Louden, the
celebrated bass singer. Mrs. Dehart convinced Miss Corrine Bush's parents of the
advantage to their daughter of a tour abroad. The young lady signed a contract for a
two-year tour through Europe. Her mother, Mrs. Bush, making one demand, that she
continue her musical studies abroad under the best teacher available.
Miss Corrine Bush, upon reaching London, England, began the study of vocal
music under the daughter of the late celebrated tragedian and writer. Miss Lra Aldridge,
who had been named after her father Ira. The reader will readily recall that, notwith-
standing his African descent, he was during his day, considered the greatest tragedian
of England. During Miss Bush's stay in Europe she sang in all the cities, great and
small, of Great Britain, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Mrs. Corrine Bush-Hicks has the distinction of having sang before the late Queen
Victoria and her royal court, and afterward was again in London and was invited to
sing at a memorial for the late Queen. This was held in the Spurgeon Tabernacle of
London, England. It was at this time in Xondon, England, she sang before the late
S. Coldridge Taylor, whose musical writings have since been pronounced the greatest
production of the age, especially his "Hiawatha Wedding Feast." While in England
she was frequently asked to personally sing in the homes of titled persons.
The Fisk Singers, after a tour of two years in Europe, returned to the United States,
and Miss CorriAe Bush, remembering her pledge made some time before, became the wife
of Mr. William Hicks, of Salem, Ohio. They immediately moved to Pasadena, California.
They have lived there for the past fourteen years. Mrs. Hicks has meant much to the Ufe
of the clubs, both white and colored in Pasadena and Los Angeles. She is often invited
to sing before these clubs. She sang for a season at the Chautauqua held in Monterey,
California.
During the last visit of the late Booker T. Washington to Southern California, the
people of Pasadeni^ gave a reception to him in the auditorium of the Pasadena high
school. Its seating capacity is rated as over two thousand, and was crowded. Mrs.
Corrine Bush-Hicks on this occasion was the soloist. Afterward Mr. Washington per-
sonally thanked her for her delightful singing, which he said he thoroughly enjoyed.
Notwithstanding all the honors Mrs. Hicks has had heaped upon her, she is as unassuming
in telling about her success in singing in grand opera^ as she is about telling of any
other engagement. She has a wonderful and pleasing personality, is quite active in
club life and has held many state offices in the Federation of Colored Women's Clubs.
At this writing she is an active worker in both the colored and white Bed Cross societies
of Pasadena.
It 16 with pleasure that the writer is presenting to the reader the sketch of Miss
Marie Hilda Ford, of Pasadena, who was bom in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1895. Her
parents moved to Pasadena when she was a year old, where she was reared and educated
in the public schools. She was an apt student in music. Her parents, however, insisted
that she continue her own study in music, notwithstanding she was capable of and did
teach at the age of twelve years. This resulted in Miss Ford later taking a thorough
course of several years' study at the Chicago Musical College.
Miss Ford entered this college in the beginning of 1914, and graduated in June 15,
1915, with the following honorable record, and was the only colored ^rl in the class
studying the piano forte: She received a teacher's certificate or diploma with a general
average of ninety -seven; piano, ninety-six; concerto, ninety-five; harmony, ninety-six;
science of music, ninety-nine; history of music, ninety-seven. Her diploma was signed
by Prerident P. Ziegfeld. ^,g„^^^ ^^ V3^^^ i^
OP CALIFORNIA 215
The charm of this sketch is that our sabjeet, while receiving such a high average,
did not stop there, but immediately re-entered the same college the next term, and at the
end of one year again graduated with the following excellent high record: Concerto,
ninety-three; harmony, ninety-six; composition, ninety-six; general average, ninety-five.
Her diploma was signed by Felix Borowski, president. It was at this time that another
colored girl graduated with great honors from the same college in the person of Madame
Florence Cole-Talbert. Each was the only Negro member of their respective classes.
After their graduation Miss Marie Hilda Ford and Madame Florence Cole-Talbert
jointly gave a recital for their own^ race under the auspices of the Missouri State Club,
at the St. Mark's M. E. Church of Chicago, Illinois. Upon this occasion Miss Ford
played such difficult numbers as "Polonaise'' (Opus 9), by Paderewski, and "Lieb-
eatraum," E major, by Liszt; Etude in F major, by Chopin. The Chicago daily papers
and also the race papers spoke of her work in the highest praise.
While in Chicago Miss Ford was made a member of the "Ideal Bureau, Choir and
Concert." This bureau acts as a clearing house for colored talent and those who seek
them. Since her return to Pasadena she has received numerous calls through them to
teach music in the East and Southern States. She is loyal to California and has steadily
refused to leave the State.
Miss Marie Hilda Ford is very modest and unassuming concerning her work and
the success she has met with since completing her course at the Chicago Musical College,
but is more than generous in giving her services for charity. Becently she gave a
recital for the benefit of the Second Baptist Church of Riverside, California. Among
the many creditable press notices she received on this occasion was the following:
"Mile. Marie Hilda Ford, of Pasadena, late of the Chicago Musical College,
appeared in a piano recital last Friday night at Mercantile Hall, Riverside, for the
benefit of the Second Baptist Church. Every available seat in the building was taken,
many having to stand. This was in the face of inclement weather. Miss Ford proved
her genius as a pianist upon this occasion. In the audience were musicians of high
standing of the white race. Mrs. Porter (white), a teacher of music, was present and
spoke of the accomplishments of Mile. Ford. She said Miss Ford was the best she had
ever heard. Mayor Horace Porter was also present, and spoke in glowing terms of Miss
Ford's ability. Nearly one-half of the audience was white. This is the second time
Miss Ford has appeared before the people of Riverside. ' '
While studying in Chicago Miss Ford had the honor of being a member of the
Chicago Treble Clef Club, which was a part of the chorus of the Lincoln Jubilee and
Half-Century Anniversary Exposition, held in the Coliseum of Chicago from August 22 to
September 16, 1915. This celebration was in commemoration of the Half Century of
Freedom for the Negro, and there was gathered together during that one month the
most talented and brainiest of the Negro race throughout the United States. Miss
Ford at the present writing is teaching with great success, having large classes in both
Riverside and Pasadena, California. She has also promoted some large concerts with
success and has been solicited by artists in the musical world to secure them an audience
in the State of CaUf omia anywhere she might deem it profitable. The writer personally
has great hopes for Miss Ford's future on a broader scale than heretofore attempted
by one so young. She has our best wishes to mount upward and onward.
Mrs. Lillian Jetter-Davis, daughter of Rev. Henry M. Jetter, of Newport, Rhode
Island, was educated in the public schools of her home town, after which s&e attended
Neff College of Oratory, of Philadelphia, receiving a certificate in oratory and elocution;
studied music under the widely-known Professor Frederick A. Fredericks, of Newport,
Rhode Island. She mastered the piano forte.
Mrs. Davis, for a number of years has been recognized as a finished artist, both as
an elocutionist and teacher of the piano. She has trained several large choruses and
saecessfully directed large church choirs and presided at the pipe organ. She is inter-
nationally known as a promoter of entertainments, and has successfully given recitals
in all the large cities of the United States, filling an entire evening's program with her
music and elocution.
Mrs. Lillian Jetter Davis married Rev. Taylor Davis in 1904. The union has been
blessed by the birth of five children, four of whom are living. Notwithstanding her
large fandly, she keeps up her teaching of the piano. Recently her class of students at
a recital in Fresno presented her with a wrist watch as a token of appreciation. Mrs.
Davis has appeared on the program with nearly all the leading musicians of today who
are identified with the Negro race.
Miss Pearl W. Hinds, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Hinds, of Oakland, is a
native daughter, and was bom in Farmersville, Tulare County, California. She was
educated in the public schools of Oakland, taking a literary cours€ft Ihj |^|i^|4g^ J^¥^l.
216 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Her parents earlj reeognized her masieal ability and placed her under the inatmetion
of the late Mrs. Paoline Powell-Bums of Oakland.
After her graduation from the Oakland high school, Miss Hinds attended a summer
session of music at the Gonsenratory of Music of Boston, Massachusetts, making a
specialty of the piano, after which she entered the Oberlin College of Music, connected
with the college of the same name in Ohio. While attending this college she completed
a course in harmony, the historj of music and theory. She specialized in instruction on
the piano, pipe organ and voice. This instruction fitted her for an instructor of pubUe
school music.
While in Oberlin, Ohio, she had charge of the M. E. Church choir of that city. Miss
Hinds also wrote the music to one of Mr. Bicks's poems, "To a Bird," which was sung
at a recital of original songs given in the Conservatory of Music of Oberlin College.
After graduating. Miss Hinds accepted a position as director of the musical department
of the State Nonnal College of South Carolina, located at Orangeburg. In connection
with her work, she gave private instruction and did considerable work in the churches.
At the present wri^g she has decided to remain with her parents in Oakland, where
she will give private lessons, much to the delight of her friends.
''Mrs. B. C. Owens, the wife of the Negro capitalist, has devoted many years of
ardent study to the cultivation of her remarkably strong, clear voice under the guidance
of Mrs. Ben F. Thorpe. Ellen Beach Taw, u\ a recent interview, declared that Mrs.
Owens had a most beautiful natural voice and she firmly believed Mrs. Owens would
meet with great success as a grand opera singer. Miss Yaw was very enthusiastic in
her praise of Mrs. Owens devotion to the study of music, and hoped personally to see
her appear in a well organized company of grand opera singers composed of the members
of the Negro race.
"Mrs. Thorpe recently introduced Mrs. Owens as a singer to the Women's Monday
Afternoon Club of Covina. Her rendition of 'Besignation,' by Caro Boma, and 'Spring
Dreams,' by Schubert, and several other numbers, was much appreciated and heartily
encored. Aside from her musical ability, Mrs. Owen is well-known for her charitable
and loving disposition. She has encouraged and assisted several girls of her race
through school. She is the social leader among her people in Los Angeles. Booker T.
Washington and Mrs. Washington and most all of the noted Negro visitors to the city
have been entertained by her. The appointments of her home proclaim her refined and
artistic taste. She has carefully chosen an extensive library and with her two charmini;
daughters spends a large portion of her time in study and travel." — ^(From L09 Angles
Times, February 12, 1909.)
It is with pleasure that the writer adds to the above that she listened to Mrs. Owens
sing shortly after this article appeared in the Times, but, not knowing Mrs. Owens,
inquired if she was not a professional singer, her lack of self -consciousness and ease of
manner, together with her sustained tones, readily gave one the impression that she
had appeared before the footlights. It seems too bad that Mrs. Owens did not make a
tour of the eastern cities as a "lyric soprano," for such talent should enrich others by
its beauty.
^ Instead of a musical career Mrs. Owens has chosen, after all, the better part, for,
while she has traveled extensively, it has always been with her daughters, that they
might have the advantage of such knowledge aside from instructions in the best schools.
There is no greater calling than to be a successful "queen of the home." This position
Mrs. Owens has filled with all the simplicity of greatness, as will be seen in the sketch
of her daughters.
Miss Manila and Miss Gladys were given all the advantages of the public schools
of Southern California, after which they were sent to the Historic Fisk University of
Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Owens choosing this high-standard colored school that her
daughters, notwithstanding the wealth of their father, would not be autocrats. Ttds
school furnished them with a truly democratic education, aside from its excellent school
system of imparting knowledge. In this particular Mrs. Owens is to be congratulated.
She has left nothing undone to givc^ her daughters every advantage, thereby she has
given to the Negro race two girls who by careful training, travel and companionship of
their mother will develop into well balanced womanhood.
Miss Manila has been given especial training in music. Previous to going to ilsk
she studied music under Mrs. Newman, and, while attending Fisk, she mastered the pipe
organ. Becently, since returning to Los Angeles, she appeared in public recital with
Professor Elmer Bartlett, the greatest Negro pipe organist on this Coast. She has also
appeared in recitals in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mrs. Ella J. Bradley-Hughley, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Dallas, Texas,
March 1, 1889; was reared under the discipline of Christian parents, receiving her eol-
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OP CALIFORNIA 217
lege education in Bishop's College, of Marshall, Texas, graduating in the class of 1907.
She was married in Dallas, Texas, in 1911, to Mr. David H. Hughley, shortly after which
they moved to Los Angeles, where she lived until her sudden passing in February, 1918.
Madam Hughley was well and favorably known by every one in the City of Los
Angeles. She was a favorite in the musical circles and had fully established her place
as an artist upon her first appearance before the public in Los Angeles. Her first
appearance was at a concert given by Bev. J. T. Hill at the Wesley Chapel. The con-
cert was of an artistic nature, being the rendition of the beautiful oratorio, "Stabat
Mater," by Bossini. The beautiful but most difficult solo was given to Madam
Hughley. One of the papers afterward, in spealdng of the concert said: ^'The solo of
'Iniammatus' was never sung by any one with more feeling and artistic temperament.^'
Her rich, well-trained voice seemed to be suited for such high class work. She had
trained for and did sing in the most pleasing manner the most d^cult grand opera
numbers. The critical music lovers of Los Angeles and Southern California from hence
acclaimed her the '^ Queen of Song," and she never gave them cause to regret the confi-
dence bestowed upon her.
Madam Hughley was at the head of the voice-culture department of the Wilkins'
Conservatory of Music, a position she filled with credit and satisfaction to all. Previous
to coming to California she had studied voice culture. After locating in Los Angeles
she immediately placed herself under the training of the best teachers of the voice in
the city. She at one time studied under Professor J. Jurakian, vocalist and voice-placing,
pure-tone production instructor, and also Professor George Carr, at his voice-produc-
tion studio in the Mozart Theater building. Both of these teachers are well known in
Los Angeles. Madam Hughley had made arrangements to study voice-culture under
Constantino, director of the California Temple of Arts.
Madam Hughley often rendered to the delight of concert-goers many operatic
selections which were always commented upon in the race papers and journals. An issue
of the Peace O^Ude, a magazine at one time edited by Professor Biggers, had the fol-
lowing to say concerning her singing in an article under the head, ''In the Musical
World": ''Madam Hughley, of Los Angeles, most popular dramatic soprano. Madam
Ella J. Bradley-Hughley is not only a leader of choir and chorus work but is a favorite
as a soloist. She has a phenomenal voice of extra high range and extraordinary power. ' '
During the time she was at the head of the voice-culture department of the Wilkins
School of Music it was such a great success that it became necessary to have a waiting
list before a new pupil could be accepted. It is indeed sad that one so gifted should
have to leave the world at so early an age. It is gratifying to those left that she still
retains a sweet memory in the hearts of the public.
Mrs. Oussie Estell Simpson-Bacon, the subject of this sketch, is one of the sweet
singers of Southern California, although she was bom in Atlanta, Georgia. She came
to CaUfomia when a small girl with her parents, who located in Biverside, where she
was educated in the public schools of that city. Mrs. Bacon from a child had a sweet,
natural mezzo-soprano voice. Her parents early recognized the value of it and placed
their daughter under the best vocal instructor then in California, a noted singer, in the
person of Mrs. Agnes Overton HalL The motto of this instructor was " Self -Forgetf ul-
ness," which made her pupils always ready for any audience. After studying for
several years under this noted instructor, who laid the foundation for her voice with
sustaining tones, Mrs. Gussie Simpson-Bacon was sent by her parents to study voice-
culture under the noted Canadian vocal instructor. Professor J. W. Gage. She filled
some noted engagements under his direction, such as the "Spring Carnival," at the
Glenwood Mission Inn, the most beautiful and leading hotel in all of California, and
also several of the leading white churches of Biverside. The M. £. Church (white)
wanted to send her to Italy to be educated in voice culture. She had the distinction of
having sung at the Booker T. Washington memorial services held at the Glenwood
Mission Inn.
Mrs. Gussie Simpson-Bacon married Mr. Henry Bacon of Biverside, and they moved
to Los Angeles to live. Since living in that city she has studied under Mme. Norma
Boeka, a vocal instructor of note. Since coming to Los Angeles Mrs. Gussie Simpson-
Bacon has sung on the program with noted colored musical artists such as Mme. Azalia
Hackley and Mme. Patti Brown upon her first appearance on this Coast. Madame
Hackley was very anxious that she return East with her to study for a concert singer,
but Mrs. Bacon is happily married and the union has been blessed by the birth of three
children. She and her husband own a beautiful modem home in Los Angeles.
Mrs. Gertrude E. Pillow-Kelley, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Great Bend,
Kansas, coming to California with her parents when an infant. They located in Pasa-
dena, where their daughter was reared and educated in the public schools of that city,
Digitized by ^^JXJKJWIK^
218 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
graduating with honors. After leaving sehool her parents sent her to Toronto, Canada,
where she entered the Toronto Conservatory of Mnsie and for five years she studied the
art of musie under Professor J. D. Tripp, the most noted Canadian pianist, at the end'
of which time she returned to California and married.
Mrs. Kelley longed to acquire a oertiiieate to teaeh musie and immediately made
arrangements to enter the Von Stein Conservatory of Musie of Los Angeles, where she
studied the art of the piano forte and specialized in harmony. After two years of sneh
study she received a certificate to teach the piano forte.
Mrs. Gertrude £. Pillow-Kelley is an accomplished musician and instructor, a
delightful performer on the piano, with a pleasing personality, modest and unassuming.
She immediately impresses one with her ability which has made her a great success as
a teacher.
Mme. Catherine Marion Carr-Teat, the subject of this sketch, is one of the best
educated teachers of music for children in the State of California, at least the writer
has failed to find another who teaches the wonderful ''Fletcher-Copp" method for
beginners. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Nancey Carr, of Nashville,
Tenn. They moved to Topeka, Kansas, when their children were quite young. The
subject of this sketch graauated from the Topeka high school, after which she imme-
diately married Mr. Isaiah Allen Teat, of Silver Lake, Kansas. She entered the next
term as a student of Washburn College of Music, attending the same for four years,
when she received a diploma to teach the piano forte.
After graduating from this college she took a teacher's course at the Topeka
Teachers' Institute, making a third-grade certificate to teach. Mrs. Teat accepted a
position to teach in tho public schools of Oklahoma, Kings Fisher County, teaching there
for two years in a mixed school having fourteen white and seventeen colored pupils.
Mrs. Teat, being uudous to advance in music, resigned her position and, with her hus-
band, moved to Pasadena, California, where even the charming climate of this beautiful
place did not change her determination to advance in music.
After residing there for a few years, she gave up her rapidly-growing class to go to
Boston Conservatory of Music, where she studied "The Fletcher-Copp Method" for
beginners, mastering that method together with harmony, counterpoint, technique and
Spanish. Mrs. Teat then returned to Pasadena and again began teaching the art of
the piano forte. Notwithstanding her high musical training, she ia modest and unas-
suming in her manner, and quite gracious in playing for charitable purposes. She has
played before many distinguished persons, among whom was ex-President Theodore
Roosevelt when he was vice-president of the United States. The State Federation of
Colored Women's Club of Kansas was holding their annual meeting in Topeka and
the vice-president was in the city. He was extended an invitation to address the
Federated Clubs at their annual reception. He accepted the invitation and Mrs. Teat
was asked to perform on the piano as a part of the program for his entertainment.
Upon this occasion Mrs. Teat played from memory Moskowski's "Valse Brilliante.'^
She afterwards was highly complimented by Vice-President Roosevelt. Mrs. Teat is
happily married and has one son. She and her husband own a beautiful home, a modem
cement house which sets in a plot of land of several acres planted in fruit trees, both
deciduous and citrus, and also English walnuts and beautiful flowers. She has a large
class in Pasadena and in Los Angeles, taking an active part in both church and dub
work, and is generally liked and is noted for her hospitality.
There are many persons who have developed great musical talent through inspira-
tion. The following sketches will give the reader the value to children of parents who
have a highly cultivated talent for music and the classics. This value is only estimated
for good and lasting results if the parents are constant companions of their children.
Too often parents withhold from their children the priceless boon of their companion-
ship and expect the children to develop because of their inheritance in some partieiilar
art. This has not been the case with Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Patton.
Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Patton, formerly of Chicago, now of Los Angeles, Califoraia,
are the parents of Juanita and Malcolm Patton. The father, Mr. Malcolm-Patton, was
formerly a baritone singer of note and also an actor, having a strong voice previoof to
having it trained. He received his musical training at the KimbiUl Conservatory of
Music and the Chicago Conservatory, both of Chicago, Illinois. The latter institution^
with its reputation for correct placing and developing the voice, was the means of
giving Mr. Patton a voice of artistic finish. He traveled for a while as a professional
singer with several companies and quartets, and, while successful, after meeting Miss
Alice Harvey, of Chicago, decided to marry. Mr. Patton selected for his life partner
a lady of equidly good musical ability whose education thoroughly fitted her for the
Digitized by VJ^^V/VIV^
OP CALIFORNIA
219
DR. JOHN S. OUTLAW
Physician and Surgeon.
DR. ALVA C. GARROTT
Dentist.
S. P. JOHNSON
Undertalter.
DR. HENRY W. BROWNING
First Lieut. Dental Reserve Corps,
^""'Wze^Ef^^^f^l
220
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
DR. WILBUR CLAREINCE GORDON
DR. JOSEPH BALL
DR. JOHN ALEXANDER
SOMMERVILLE
Dentist.
DR. VADA SOMMER\^LLE
Dentiat.
Digitized by XJXJKJWIK.
i
OP CALIFORNIA 221
mother of his ehildren. This onion was richly blessed bj the birth of two children
whose sketches wiU foUow.
There are many children who acquire distinction in mosie amonf^ their own race,
but it requires a real "Trail Blazer" to win distinction in both races. This is espe-
cially true in the public schools of California, where they have to compete with so much
fine white talent. These musical sketches will plainly show to the reader the great
blessing to a child of having parents who are both of such a strong type of what an
educated and cultured parent should be that they reflect in their children the finished
artist through constant and careful companionship and home training.
These children, Juanita and Malcolm Fatten, began their musical careers at the
age of four and six years of age. At a very tender age they made a public appearance
on the theatrical stage, rendering a whole program. After entering the public schools
they steadily advanced. Their ability was recognized by their teachers, notwithstanding
colored children were not accustomed to appearing in festivities in music with their
classes. The Fatten children not only appeared with their classes but were always
favorably mentioned in the weekly school paper.
Juanita began her career at the age of four and a half years, and from the begin-
ning she had a strong, rich soprano voice. At the age of eight she could render the
most difficult pieces, classical, religious or popular, with perfect ease and technique. She
graduated from the Fourteenth Street Intermediate High School of Los Angeles and
tiien from the Manual Arts High School, graduating with the class of the summer of
1917, at which time she was assigned a part in the play ' ' Bepresentatives of Nations"
(white). The Manual Arts WeeUy said: ''Among the rich, melodious voices heard on
the Manual Arts stage, Juanita Fatton's voice can be classed as one of the finest, and
those who had the joy of hearing her declared Miss Fatten 's singing exceptional."
This quotation can perhaps be better appreciated when it is known that the stage in
the Manual Arts school is one of the largest stages of any public school west of Chicago,
and the auditorium in proportion.
The Fatten ehildren have been taught by their parents to give their best to the
race for its pleasure and appreciation. Hence they have repeatedly appeared on the pro-
gram of various organizations for charitable benefits of worthy causes. Miss Juanita
was the youngest soloist in the rendition of ''Fifty Years of Freedom," given for the
benefit of the Young Men's Christian Association during the summer of 1915. Her
voice, which is a strong, sweet lyric soprano, filled the immense Shrine Auditorium.
8he plays the piano and is fluent in both speakjjig and translating the Spanish language.
Dr. Wilber Clarence Gordon trained over one hundred voices to render " Hiawatha ^s
Wedding Feast" for the benefit of the Old Folks' Home. It was rendered in the Trinity
Auditorium September 5, 1916. Frofessor Jackson, superintendent of music in Quindara
University, Kansas City, coming to Los Angeles to conduct the production. Malcolm
Fatten had been given the part of "Fau-pau-kee-wes," which is the most difficult and
the leading role in "Hiawatha." After the concert, in commenting upon the singers.
Professor Jackson said he had never witnessed a finer interpretation of the character
than was given by Malcolm Fatten. The city and race papers all spoke in the highest
praise of Ms dancing, pronouncing it wonderful for a child.
Both the Fatten children have graduated from the Fourteenth Street Intermediate
High School of Los Angeles. When Malcolm Patten graduated he was on the editorial
staff of the school magazine. The Blue and the Gold. He was assigned the class oration
on the "History of Music." The principal of the school was asked to say a word in
regard to the Fatten children. The letter arrived after he had gone to attend a con-
vention of the California Superintendents of the Public Schools at Biverside. Not-
withstanding he held an important position in the convention, he found time to send
the following letter to the Fatten children for this book:
"Glenwood Mission Inn, Biverside, California, December 30, 1916.
"To Whom It May Concern: I take great pleasure in stating that Miss Juanita
Patten and her brother, Malcolm, completed their work in the FouHeenth Street Liter-
mediate school some two years ago. Both were eminently satisfactory students, and in
addition showed marked musical ability, their services in this line were much appreciated
by the school and community. Their voices showed the results of careful training and
their numbers were always of a high order. It is to be hoped that they continue their
musical work, both vocal and instrumental, and develop their talent to its fullest extent.
"(Signed) Frank Boublla,
"Principal Fourteenth Street Intermediate School of Los Aifj^e^^g^ S^*ii5^0©^lc
222 THE NBGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
Since the receipt of this letter Hifls Jnanita has graduated from the Mawnal Arts
High School of LO0 Angeles. Malcolm has graduated from the Los Angeles BLigh School
in the winter class of February, 1919. During his many years atten£ng the school he
has won many honors for himself and the schooL The most prominent of which is that
he is the only Negro boy who is a member of the ilrst Bat^dion Cadets of the schocd.
He is a member of the High School Choral Club and assists the Glee Club on special
occasions. He is a violinist in the High School Senior Orchestra. During the month of
April, 1918, the combined choral and glee dubs, together with the Senior Orchestra,
rendered in the high school auditorium the beautiful cantata of ''Joan of Arc," by GanL
The honor of singing the principal baritone solo was given to Malcolm Patton. The
school paper, The Bhke and White, in commenting on the rendition, said: "The entire
composition was an ideal musical and educational event. It was presented with the same
artistry which characterized all other concerts given by the two musical dubs. "The
Bing Song,'' the vocal solo by Malcolm Patton, and the intermezso by the orchestra
were particularly effective." Malcolm Patton upon this occasion was accompanied by
a thirty-one piece orchestra and an Italian harpist. His piece was Becitative and Aria.
The successful rendition of the cantata was the means of an invitation from the Toung
Women's Christian Association deciding to invite the school to repeat it for their
"Allied Market Day." One of the daily papers in speaking of the affair said: "The
Third Allied Market Day of the T. W. C. A. is being held today with an impressive
Srogram. It is designated as 'Lily of France Day' and the French atmosphere was
itensi£ed with an elaborate production of Gaul's cantata 'Joan of Arc,' produced by
the music department of the Los Angeles High SchooL ' ' Among the names of the soloists
appeared the name of Malcolm Patton. The race people of Los Angeles are especially
proud of the Patton children in that they have been "Trail Blazers" in opening a door
for the recognition of Negro children and their talent in the musical activities of the
public schools of Southern California. It is a great advantage to a child to be given
any prominence in these magnificent schools with so much fine talent to compete with
and the prejudice which usually is ready to crush the ambition of aspiring Negroes
everywhere. The CkUifamia Bagle, a race paper, in commenting upon the solo by
Malcolm Patton, in the cantata of "Joan of Arc," said: "Upon this occasion, as npoa
others when he appeared in this connection, he did honor to his school, parentage and
the race."
The greatest work in the musical feature has been rendered by these children out-
side of the school room. They have made many public appearances before white
churches and organizations. While singing for the Stanton Post, G. A B. (white) they
appeared on a program of artists at Sawtelle, California, the home for soldiers. On
this occasion there was an audience of hundreds of old soldiers and several distingrnished
army officers on a tour of inspection from Washington, D. C. At this time and on
another similar they were repeatedly encored and received a military salute. The race
is looking forward to greater achivements by the Patton children in the musical world,
especially if they have blazed a trail and lowered the bars of prejudice in competing
wuh white school children. These children have been trained only by their mother.
Mrs. Bessie William-Dones, the subject of this sketch, is a native of Atlanta,
Georgia. Coming to California with her parents at the age of five years, she attended
the public schools of Biverside until graduating from the grammar school, when the
family moved to Los Angeles and she entered the Los Angeles high school. During
her attendance at the high school she was given instruction on the violin by Professor
Meine, who, after two years of training, wrote a very commendable letter concerning
Miss Williams' future outlook as a violinist.
After that period Miss Williams studied under the well-known instructor of the
violin. Professor J. Clarence Cook, of Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, after which
she traveled throughout the Middle West, giving recitals which were very succeesfuL
She later accepted a position as instructor of the violin in the Wilkins' School of
Music in Los Angeles. She has the honor of giving the first instruction to the prom-
ising violin artist, Owen Troy, whose sketch will follow. Miss Williams, in 1913, became
the wife of Mr. Sidney P. Dones, who is a successful real estate dealer in Los Angeles.
The union has been blessed by the birth of one daughter, Sidnetta.
Master Owen Austin Troy, a native son, having been bom in Los Angeles, is the
son of Theodore Troy, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio. He has been educated exclusively
in the Seventh Day Adventist schools of this State. He graduated from the Aeademv
of San Fernando, and also from the conservatory of music connected with the school,
receiving a diploma from the mudc department covering theory, harmony and the
history of mnaio.
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OF CALIFORNIA 223
Master Owen Troy began his musical training on the violin with Mrs. Dones for
two years, after which he was so advanced that he was immediately accepted as a
pupil by the celebrated instructor, Professor Oskar Selling. At this writing he is a
student at the Pacific Union College located at Saint Helena^ California, where he is
studying to become an evangelist in the Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Leviticus Nelson Everoll Lyon, the subject of this sketch, was bom in San Fran-
•iseo in May, 1894. He was educated in the public schools of Oakland, after which he
took a course in general history and economics at the University of California in
Berkeley. It was while attending the university that he discovered that he had talent
for music, immediately placing himself for voice culture under the instruction of Miss
Katherine Urner and Dr. George Bowdin, of the University of California. The last
named was a former professor from London, England.
Mr. Lyon also decided to study the piano under Professor Emile Stinegger, a former
pupil of Leschetizky. He also studied the piano under Mr. Guyla Ormay. His many
years of training under these excellent musicians has produced in this young man a
wonderful voice of real lyric tenor. The public some day will hear from him as one
of the greatest Negro men-singers in America, because he has trained and fully prepared
himself to fill the role of an artist, having mastered five languages.
The opportunity of living near the University of California and San Francisco has
given him many advantages, which are seen in his repertoire covering the Italian,
French, German and English schools. He specializes in sustained singing and particu-
larizes id music of the "Italian seventeenth century." This young man actually has
a voice that can with credit be called a lyric tenor. The writer was charmed with his
wonderful rendition of some old Italian ballads at a musical recently held in Oakland.
She also attended a winter course of musical lectures by Professor Clarence Eddy on the
pipe organ, and noted this young man's careful and critical attention at every lecture,
and eventually located him, securing the material for his sketch. She hopes that he
will favor the public ere long with a tour, that all may know of this California native
son musician with the rich lyric tenor voice.
Soon after the above was penned and mailed to Mr. Lyon for criticism he was
solicited by some friend to appear in a song recital at the Knights of Columbus Hall in
Oakland. The following appeared in the Oakland Biittetin of April 17, 1918: "Customs
Employee in Singer's Bole. An elevator operator with ambitions to become a concert
singer has been discovered in the employ of Uncle Sam at the custom house in San
Francisco. He is Leviticus N. E. Lyon, a Negro twenty -three years old, with a lyric
tenor voice which he has cultivated in the face of many obstacles. He will make his
first appearance with a program of his own at the Knights of Columbus Hall, in Oak-
land, on Saturday evening, April 27, 1918. His recital will be one of classic songs
calculated to test his knowledge of the world's best music." Later, white friends of
San Francisco to the number of forty, signed their names to buy tickets if he would
give a recital in San Francisco, which he did in May at the Tosemite Hall, Native Sons
of the Golden West Building, San Francisco. The Oakland Sunshine, in speaking of
this concert, said: "Mr. Leviticus N. E. Lyon's recital was given in San Francisco on
Tuesday night. We went across the bay to attend the recital given by Mr. Lyon,
assisted by Messrs. Walter Dyett, violinist, and Merrill Brown, accompanist. • • •
On reaching the hall we found a pleasing audience sitting spellbound as these young
men gave number after number from the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
"Their rendition was superb and the time sped by as in dreamland when the angels
have sung a lullaby. Mr. Lyon has undoubtedly a future full of promise. We can say
of a truth that all three of these young men, if they continue, will write their names
among the stars and the world will lie at their feet. We shall do all we can to encour-
age them." The Hon. Oswald; Garrison Villard has arranged to pay for the singer's
training in New York City. He has accepted the honor and is now in the Eastern city
studying.
There are many promising young persons in California who are preparing them-
aelves for a musical career. Aliong this number the writer has discovered the following
young man in Los Angeles: Mr. John A. Gray, who is the organist at the St. Phillips
Episcopalian parish of that city. This gentleman was bom in Norfolk, Virginia, in
1889. His father gave him his first lessons on the piano. These lessons were supple-
mented with a few by mediocre teachers until the death of his father in 1902. Since
then he has been shifting for himself, coming to Los Angeles about nine years ago,
daring which time he has worked by day and attended night school, thereby earning
his living. He has studied the piano, pipe organ, harmony, and counterpoint, also com-
position. He has also learned to read and write French, and is studying Spanish and
Italian. He expects to master five different languages at least. His ambition is to
224 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
become a teacher and composer, and he is fitting himself for a musical career. He is
sincere and is willing to work for success. Mr. Qray served in the world war, winning a
commission and distinction in the National Army.
The writer considers that too much attention cannot be given to teachers of begin-
ners, because a musical career can bo made or spoiled by a bad teacher. The subject
of this sketch, Mrs. Pinkie Gallender-Howard, is the descendant of a pioneer family of
Ban Francisco, and has been thoroughly trained for a teacher of beginners. She was
the first colored student who attended and won honors at the Lada Conservatory of
Music, in San Francisco. She was considered the best sight reader in her class.
She has been before the public for years and has performed before large audiences
of both races, displaying a thorough artistic education in music. She has given special
attention to beginners and has been a successful teacher. Her success has been remark-
able owing to special attention and good humor. At her last recital given in Oakland,
her juvenile class showed wonderful training and played with exactness. The advanced
pupils displayed great technic and great rapidity. She is very grateful for her musical
education to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Gallender, pioneers of San Francisco.
California has many persons of color living in the State who, while they may not
be classed as Trail Blasers, nevertheless have lives filled with so much of interest that
the writer has deemed it of value to give a sketch of at least one who, during the past
few years, has been located in Los Angeles. This refers to Bev. Charles Price Jones, who
has wonderful ability to write Gospel songs.
Dr. Jones was bom December 9, 1865, in North Georgia and reared principally about
Kingston. He was the son of Mary Jones-Latimer. She was a slave of William Jones,
of Moyd County, Georgia, and was a God-fearing woman who prayed fervently for the
salvation of the soul of her son and Divine guidance through life. Dr. Jones believes
that God has so wonderfully blessed him in answer to her sincere prayers. The son of
this slave woman was taught by his mother to be mannerly to all, which won him
friends, among whom was a young man, a student from Talledgea College, named J. R
Bush, who gave him some school advantages.
Later he went to night school. Shortly afterwards his mother died. This caused
the lad to shift for himself, which he did with success. He went to Chattanooga, Ten-
nessee, where he found employment, and later to Arkansas, and thence to Cat Island,
Arkansas, where he picked cotton. At this he was above the average; he believed in
excellency in whatever he attempted to do.
While young Jones was on ''Cat Island" he was converted, in October, 1884, and
on the first Sunday in May, 1885, he joined Locust Grove Baptist Church on "Cat
Island" and was baptized by Elder J. D. Petty. In the fall of the same year he went
to preach the gospel of Christ. An impression now came upon Brother Jones to go to
Africa and teach the Africans the way to God. He went to Helena, Arkansas, for
counsel of Elder E. C. Mooris, whose counsel was that Brother Jones should first go to
school. Accordingly Brother Jones went to Little Bock, January 3, 1888, and entered
the Arkansas Baptist College. He worked his way most of the time. In the summer
of that year he taught school in Grant County and paid back aid kindly received from
Professor Joseph A. Booker, the president of the college.
Later he was ordained at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by Elder C. L. Fisher, D. D., and
a committee of reputable men, white and colored. He soon became prominent and was
elected corresponding secretary of the Baptist college from which he graduated in 1891.
There was much talk of his candidacy for president of the Arkansas Baptist State Con-
vention. He was elected editor of the Baptist Vanguard, the college and State organ.
Dr. Jones has held charges in some of the largest Baptist churches in the South.
He has aimed to lead his people to a higher plane of living and in an effort to do this
he conducted a publishing house and published a religious magazine called TrutK His
plant was located at 329 East Monument street, Jackson, Mississippi. He was later
burned out by a mob.
Dr. Jones believes in prayer, and it was through long prayer and fasting that he
was blessed by the power of the Holy Ghost to write songs. It is most interesting to
hear him tell of the outpouring of the Holy Ghost upon him. He first wrote songs with-
out music, and then both words and music. His songs are sung throughout the civilized
world. He has written and published five Gospel hymn books and a book of poems.
His first song book was "One Hundred Hymns'' (words only); his next book, ''Select
Songs," "Jesus Only" (words and music); "The Harvest Is Past," '*0 Israel, Betum
Unto the Lord," "Stretch Out Your Hands to God," "Deeper, Deeper," and many
others.
^ Dr. Jones does considerable evangelical work, and always conducts the singing.
This blessing of the gift to write songs led him to seek morcf .opi^tual uplift and finally
OP CALIFORNIA 225
led to his reaching a higher plane of service to God, which has been named ' ' The Holi-
ness Body of Worshippers." "In June, 1897, according to the leading of the Lord, the
pastor cidled the first Holiness meeting in Jackson, MississippL This proved to be the
most wonderful meeting in the Spirit hitherto held among the ministers and laymen in
this section of the country. * * * And then after that the annual Holiness meeting
at Jackson, Mississippi, and in many other places among the saints became an important
part of the work among the saints. ' ' This meeting has grown until at this writing there
is quite a demonination of churches that has grown out of this higher life ministry
headquarters at Jackson, MississippL
Dr. Charles Price Jones came to Los Angeles to escape overwork. He is now over-
seer of Church of Christ and was given the honorary title of doctor of divinity by the
Baptist College at Little Bock. He is at present associate editor of the Citizen Advocate
of Los Angeles.
Bev. Jones is not the only song-writer among the race people living in Los Angeles.
He will have to share the honors with the gifted and very talented daughters of Bev.
Frowd. This gentleman needs no introduction to the average reader, for he is con-
sidered one of the best, if not the best, educated Negro Baptist minister in America. He
has given to his daughters the best education possible, especially in music and languages,
French and Spanish. Miss Lillian, the youngest daughter, is a writer of poetry and has
written the words to many songs which her sister. Miss Ellen Consuello Prowd has set
to music. These songs are popular and have met with ready side. Their father, Bev.
Prowd, is pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
Professor W. T. Wilkins, of Los Angeles, has written several instrumental pieces
which have merit, among them being ''l^e Path of Destiny."
Mrs. Pearl Lowery- Winters, the subject of this sketch, is one of Los Angeles'
favorite daughters. She has a voice and winsome disposition second to none. The
foQowing is quoted from the California EagU: "While touring the State and singing
before some of the largest obtainable audiences in many of the white churches and
high schools, Mrs. Winters was very favorably criticized by the Women's Harmony
Club, of Bakersfield. The Oakland Sunshine and Bev. Coleman of the North Oakland
Baptist Church presented Mrs. Winters but a few months past and were so highly
pleased with her ability that they strongly recommended her to other audiences."
' * In 1912, while touring the East, Mrs. Winters sang in Convention Hall, Kansas City,
Kansas, before twenty-five thousand persons, where she was loudly applauded, and
before the National Federated Colored Women's Clubs at Hampton, Virginia, where she
received the plaudits of Booker T. Washington, Mrs. Washington, Major Moton and
Miss Armstrong. Other persons of note and musical ability who favorably criticized
Mrs. Wiilters as an artist of ability are the following, whose criticisms we print in part:
'* 'My friend, Mrs. Lowery- Winters, has a rich contralto voice with organ-like
depth which surpasses any other contralto of her race.' — Mme. Florence Cole-Talbert.
" 'Mrs. Winters possesses one of the most beautiful natural contralto voices I have
ever heard and is an artist of rare ability.' — ^F. Constantino (world's greatest tenor).
" 'Mrs. Winter's voice as a contralto has sweetness, soul and power.' — ^Professor A.
G. Jackson, Western University.
' ' ' Having been a teacher of Mrs. Winters for three years, I find that she possesses
one of the most beautiful natural contralto voices I have ever heard.' — ^Professor Wm.
Jas. Clark.
" 'Mrs. Winters has one of the best contralto voices I have heard.' — William
Marion Cook.
"We have watched this young woman for a number of years. We not only consider
her the race's best contralto in the whole West, but one of the best in the country,
and one of the most unselfish artists we have ever been privileged to meet." — California
Eagle.
Mrs. Pearl Lowery- Winters, of Bakersfield, has written both words and music of
songs which she has published.
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CHAPTER xvrn
Distinguished Women
Mrs. Josephine Leavell-Allensworth is equally as mueli of a worker for the Detter-
ment of the race as was her husband, the late Lieutenant-Colonel AUensworth. She has
a very fine education and in every sense of the word is a Christian gentlewoman. She
practically reared her two daughters in the army, having spent nearly if not twenty-five
years in the United States Army with her husband, during which time she lived at the
different forts with their children.
While Colonel Allensworth was serving in the capacity of chaplain, Mrs. Aliens-
worth resumed the responsibility of furnishing amusement for the men and their wives.
This would be an easy task were it not for the fact that the majority of the forts are
located away from any large city. Nevertheless Mrs. Allensworth furnished the soldiers
and their wives with good, wholesome and instructive amusement. Her faithfulneea
won a place in their hearts never to be effaced. Their confidence in Mrs. Allensworth
was demonstrated when Colonel Allensworth and the Twenty-fourth Infantry were in
the Philippine Islands. The wives of the soldiers made her their treasurer, and she
received their moneys from their husbands, distributing the same to the proper persona.
This money, on every pay day, amounted to thousands of dollars. She was always
showing them acts of kindness. Neither did they forget her, for when Colonel Allens-
worth was retired and the Twenty-fourth Infantry returned from the Philippine Islands,
the soldiers and their wives presented Mrs. Allensworth and her daughters with a hand-
some carved silver tray and candelabra.
After thei plotting of the town site of Allensworth, Mrs. Allensworth began the
study as to what she could do to benefit the community. She was instrumental in
organizing a Women's Improvement Club. This club was instrumental in
establishing a children's playground and many other improvements for the town of
Allensworth. When a new school house was erected, the old building was donated to
Mrs. Allensworth, and she purchased the ground upon which it now stands, had it
remodeled and fitted out for a public reading room. Later she solicited the Bural Free
Circulating library, to furnish them books. Colonel Allensworth and many others,
including the writer, gave many books. The custodian of the free reading room ia
a colored girl who is paid by the County. Mrs. Allensworth has named the reading
room a memorial library in honor of her mother, Mary Dickson. Mrs. AUensworth ia
president of the school board, and spends a portion of the year in Allensworth doing
whatever she can for the betterment of the race and community.
Mrs. Allensworth is a sincere club worker, but the greatest work she has ever done
was when she reared, with all the simplicity of greatness, two daughters who reflect,
with credit, the strong personality of herself and husband. The writer refers to Mrs.
Harris Skanks and Mrs. L. M. Blodgett, who were the Misses Eva and Nella Allens-
worth. They are thoroughly educated and are genuine gentlewomen of the old school
of aristocracy, and have children whom they are rearing in the same delightful manner.
Mrs. John M. Scott, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Atlanta,
Georgia. During her school days she took an active part in church work. She was married
at an early age to Mr. John M. Scott, who at the time was one of the leading successful
oil dealers of Atlanta. After a few years of married life Mr. Scott, wishing to advance
in business, answered to the ''Call of the West" and he and his wife moved to Loa
Angeles, California, where he entered the business world by building the first hall for
fraternal meetings in the State. It is still in use and is known as the "Scott Hall,''
located at 561 Central avenue. This hall was used by all of the race organizations in
the City of Los Angeles until the erection several years later of the Odd Fellows Hall.
Mr. Scott for years has held the responsible position as mail clerk for the Santa
Fo railroad division stationed in Los Angeles, having his own offices and handling
thousands of pieces of mail daily. Through his decision to make Los Angeles his home
the State and city have been richly benefited through the activities of his wife, who is
untiring in her efforts to advance her race on a higher plane of living. This has been
especially noticeable after she accepted the honor of an election to the presidency of the
Sojourner Truth Club, of Los Angeles. The object of this club was to, at some future
date, build a home for self-sustaining women. Mrs. Scott realized that such an under-
taking, while noble in its purpose, could only be successfully done by beginning the
work properly. Since much would depend upon her as president of the club to guide
the ship through the journey, she decided to fully prepare hegM^gJ)^ ^^:^jg,the work
OP CALIFORNIA 227
in other organizations. To do this she made a trip east, going directly to New York,
where she registered at the "White Bose Mission/' stopping as any other traveler and
stranger in the City of New York. This gave her a splendid opportunity to study the
workhigs and the value to the community of such an institution.
En route back to her home, she stopped in Philadelphia and Chicago, visiting in
these cities similar institutions for self-supporting women. Betuming to Los Angeles,
Mrs. Scott was so filled with enthusiasm as to her tripr of investigation and study of
institutions, it was not long before the club was convinced of the immediate need of
such an inatitution in the City of. the Angels.
This resulted in launching a campaign for funds which was very successful in
raising $11,000, which enabled them to make their first payment on a lot. At the
expiration of her term of of&ce Mrs. Bcott positively refused to accept the office of
president, but the succeeding year she was again elected as president. She then imme-
diately launched another campaign for funds which was a success to that extent the
club completed paying for a lot costing $2,750. At the next election she began months
in advance to state that she positively would not be a candidate for re-election. To
show how the club appreciated her services, when the day arrived for election of
officers, the following newspaper clipping will more fully explain. It is headed
"Sojourner Truth Club Election":
** 'Hoop-a-la, Hoop-a-lal
Who are wet
We are the members of the S. T. C.
Do we want a new president f
We do — not! Scott, Scott, Scott!
Hoop-a-la, Hoop-a-lal Scott, Scott 1 '
''With this yell, led by little Honore Moxley, Mrs. Scott was overwhelmingly
re-elected president of the Sojourner Truth Club. This spirit of unity also elected the
same day a splendid set of officers who, like the president, would support and work for
success; it is well to give their names: President, Mrs. J. M. Scott; vice-president, Mrs.
Offut; second vice-president, Mrs. M. Bates; Mrs. Ada Jackson, secretary; Mrs. Mary
Smith, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Bernice Alexander, treasurer; Mrs. Lucy Carter,
chaplain, and Mrs. Mary Hicks, pianist; executive board, Mesdames Shackelford, Mox-
ley, Young, Campbell, Pool and B. L. Turner."
With such a splendid set of officers and through the co-operation of the citizens and
friends of Los Angeles, the club during that year built a clubhouse costing $5,200, con-
sisting of nine bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, dining-room, reception hall and library.
llie appreciation of the citizens and friends of the building of this clubhouse for
self-sustaining women was shown by their furnishing it throughout without cost to the
club with new and substantial furnishings.
It must not be forgotten that no one showed their appreciation for the home more
than the Negro press of the State, and their space was liberally used at all times for
the good of the cause, as the following will show. When the club decided that they
were about ready to build, one of the race papers in Los Angeles had the following to
say: ''Few organizations have thrived as has the Sojourner Truth Club under the
leadership of its present president, Mrs. J. M. Scott, and her noble corps of followers.
When taking into consideration the fact that Mrs. Scott has marshaled the reins as
president during the uncertain financial period, it is commendable. Her success has
been such that the members have been steadily climbing from one summit to another
in order to keep pace with her advanced ideas. The real work and what it means to the
cause of noble womanhood has been the incentive, jealously guarded inspiration causing
unceadng effort on the part of the members" Another race journal said: "The
Sojourner Truth Club is forging to the front. The advisory board met last Monday
night to discuss matters of importance. The society 's financial affairs having increased
so rapidly under the present president, Mrs. J. M. Scott, that an early investment for
a home-site is anticipated."
After the clubhouse was built and furnished and the club had taken full possession
in May, Mrs. Scott's term of office expiring in June, she would not accept the office
again. During the following three years the office was filled by three different members
of her grand working board, namely, Mesdames Offut, Jackson and Campbell.
After having been retired for three years Pate decreed that Mrs. Scott should again
be elected president, and the ' ' Star of Hope ' ' that had led her on in previous administra-
tions brought the club to the realization of the cancellation of all indebtedness and a
balance for future work. The club has always appreciated thg,j^^|y^^^ap^^/^]^le
228 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
servieeB given by Mrs. Scott. They tried to show a part of that appreciation at the
burning of the mortgage on the lot, at which time one of the race papers said: "Club
presented to the president, Mrs. J. M. Scott, a beautiful diamond brooch; upon a plain
but beautiful background rested a wreath of Victory composed of forget-me-nots. In
the center glittered a beautiful diamond. Above the diamond was the year 1912;
around the diamond were the initials 'S. T. 0.' **
Mrs. Scott, having seen the clubhouse built and paid for, has been able to give some
of her time to other interests of equal value to the race such as being a mem^r of the
executive board of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement
of Colored People, and the Soldiers' and Sailors' Welfare Commission, which is doing a
wonderful work in looking after the interests of the families of soldiers now fighting^
in France. Would that the race had many such grand, noble and self-sacrificing women
as the subject of this sketch!
Mrs. Archie H. Wall is one of the most active workers in the California Federated
Colored Women's Clubs. She has been elected for seven years as state treasurer. She
is president of the city and district work of the Orphanage. Aside from that, she has
been active along other lines in organizing the Spanish-American War Auxiliary, and
at present holds the office of president in the organization. She was instrumental in
orgranizing the King's Daughters' Circle, State vice-president of the S. M. T. and
president of the Art and Industrial Club of Oakland, California.
Mrs. Wall is best known by her enthusiasm and work in building the Orphanage
in Oakland. When the California Colored Women's Federated Clubs decided to fed-
erate, they also determined to do some monumental work of interest to the race, in
both the northern part of the State and also the southern. The Sojourner Truth Home
clubhouse was the work selected for the southern part of the State to assist in accom-
plishing. The northern part was undecided for years until enthused by Mrs. Wall, who
worked long and untiringly with an uphill pull until she finally accomplished the desired
result, which will ever stand as a great monument to her efforts.
Mrs. Hettie Blonde Tilghman is a native daughter, having been bom in San Fran-
cisco, and is the daughter of the deceased and distinguished pioneers in the persons of
Captain and Mts. Bebecca Jones. She was their third daughter and was educated in
the schools of San Francisco, living in that city until about fourteen years old, when
her family moved to Oakland. She married in 1890 Mr. Charles F. Tilghman, the son
of a California pioneer, Mr. Bobert Tilghman, who came to the State in 1850. At the
time of Mrs. Tilghman 's marriage she was both secretary and organist of the Bethel
A. M. E. Church Sunday school of San Francisco. She also taught a private school for
Chinese boys, having been given permission by her mother to conduct the school in their
home. She taught these Chinese students the English branches and language.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tilghman has been blessed by the birth of a
son and daughter; after which Mrs. Tilghman retired from active church and dub life
until the chOdren were quite advanced in life, preferring to consider them as a gift
from Qod which should receive the undivided attention of their mother. After l^ey
were advanced in school she became active in the club, church and lodges, as the fol-
lowing record wiU show, making up for lost time in her intense work to aid and build
up a good, wholesome club life in which the community would be benefited.
Her first active club work was with the Fanny Coppin Club, and from that to an
active worker in the Federated Clubs of the State, having served faithfully and con-
scientiously as an executive officer and assistant editress for two club journals, corre-
sponding secretary, and also recording secretary of the State. At the present writing
she is State president of the Federate Clubs of Colored Women in California. She is
an untiring worker in the northern section of the State Federated Clubs' efforts to build
and estabUsh an orphanage.
The persons who have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Tilghman admire her the meet
in the successful rearing and educating of two lovely children, Miss Hilda, who gradu-
ated from the Oakland Commercial high school with honors, having made a record
''A 1" in stenography and bookkeeping; Charles (junior), who has graduated from the
Oakland high school at an unusually young age, and before he was sixteen published and
set his own type for a Directory of Distinguished Colored Besidents of Oakland. He
since has been called to the colors. It is sincerely hoped that because of the excellent
work Mrs. Tilghman has done in rearing her own children she will be one of the board
of directors for the Orphanage in Oakland.
The writer especially admires Mrs. Tilghman for the unselfish work she did in
visiting all the exemption boards during the first draft for the National Army. During
this time Mrs. Tilghman visited these boards, thereby securing the names of all the
Negro bojrs who were drafted in the Bay Cities. After leaminir their addreasea. she
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OP CALIFOBNIA 229
presented them to the executive board of the Northern California braneh of the National
Assoeiation for the Adyancement of Colored People, who immediately called a public
meeting and invited the public to a reception for the "First Liberty Boys," the like
of which has never been equaled in Oakland. It was Mrs. Tilghman who afterward
urged the club women of the State to send these boys a Christmas box of good cheer.
The box was sent in the name of the Federation of Colored Women 's Clubs. Mrs. Tilgh-
man is very intense and an untiring worker in anything she undertakes.
Mrs. Eva Carter-Buckner, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Washington,
Iowa, and, when quite young, her parents moved to Des Moines, Iowa, and from thence
to Colorado Springs, Colorado, where their daughter was educated in the public schools.
It was while living in this city that the subject of our sketch won first prize in a
contest instituted by the wife of the mayor of the city, a Mrs. J. D. Bobinson. This
contest was presented to the Paul Lawrence Dunbar Beading Class of Colorado Springs,
of which Mrs. Buckner was a member. The lady instituting the contest selected for
her judges prominent white persons. When the poems were presented to these judges,
who were recognized as able literary critics, and their decision read, it was found that
Mrs. Eva Carter-Buckner had won first prize. This decision rendered by judges of
known ability immediately established Mrs. Eva Carter-Buckner 's place as a writer of
verse. Previous to this she had contributed verse to the papers.
Mrs. Eva Carter-Buckner has had the distinction of having her verse appear in
such wdl-known and widely read papers as the Denver Post, The Colorado Springs Sun
and the Western Enterprise, When she lived in New Mexico she was honored by having
her poems appear in the American and New Age, papers published there. Since moving
to California she has published poems in many of the race papers, especially the California
Eagle, New Age and the Advocate, Among the white papers, The Daily Tribune, one of
the largest white papers published in Los iSoigeles.
The greatest honor coming to Mrs. Eva Carter-Buckner was when some of her poems
appeared in a book called **Gems of Poesy," a book of short poems by American
authors. Mrs. Buckner is best known by her inspiring club songs, among which is the
"Colorado and Calif omia State Federation" songs for Colored Women's clubs. She
has written many interesting short stories and articles for the press. Her poems are
aoul inspiring appeals for the uplift and a square deal for the Negro race. She is sincere
and quick to the defense of the Negro, as will be seen from her poem, * * What Constitutes
a Negro f" This poem was inspired in defense of Joe Cans, the prize fighter, when a
white writer had published a poem in which he attempted to prove that Gans was not
a Negro. The white papers refused to publish Mrs. Buckner 's poem, but the California
Eagle published it in full.
Mrs. Buckner has given much time to suffrage and the study of psychopathic and
charity work. She is an artist of no mean ability, member of the local branch and a
strong advocate of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
Daring the Morefield Story drive for new members, she secured a very large number of
new members and penned a beautiful poem which shei dedicated to Dr. Dubois^ Mrs.
Buckner is beloved by all who know her, and has a pleasing and winsome personality.
Would that the world had a few more such women with such sterling character I
Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, the subject of this sketch, the daughter of John Glasgow
and Jane Ferguson, was bom in Sedalia, Missouri, where she lived until three years
old. The family then moved to Kansas City, where their daughter was placed in the
colored public school, which she attended until made an orphan at the age of fourteen
years. She was self-supporting until she married Mr. John Brown at Fort Bobinson,
Nebraska, Chaplain Prioleau of the Ninth Cavalry performing the ceremony. When
the Spanish-American War was declared her husband was given a commission in the
Ninth Immunes as second lieutenant. When he left to participate in the Cuban cam-
paign his bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, remained with his relatives in Washington, D. C,
until his return. She went to Fort Grant, Arizona, and then later, when the Philippine
insurrection began, her husband was given a commission in the Forty-eighth Infantry
Volunteers, a regiment of colored soldiers. While the regiment was preparing to be
mustered into the United States service, Mrs. Brown joined her husband at Fort Thomas,
Kentucky, and came across the continent with the regiment, which sailed from San
Francisco, California, to the Philippine Islands.
While in California she visited Oakland and decided it would be a good place to
buy a home. She purchased an elegant home on Thirty-fourth street. She immediately
became an active worker in every movement for the betterment of mankind and the
uplift of the race, in church, lodge and club work. She is a member, ef the Eastern
Star, and has the honor of being the past grand matron of the jurisdiction of California.
At the present writing she is grand treasurer, having served the office lof |he pas^^i^t
230 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
years. She is also a member of the Household of Buth, past most noble goyemess^ 458,
of Oakland; past daughter, Buler of the Daughters of Elks of Mizpah Temple, and
deputy of the State for five years; member of the Scottish Bite.
Mrs. Elizabeth Brown is a great club worker, as the following with show: She
has served in every capacity of the California State Federatied Colored Women's Clubs;
as their second, first vice-president, and has the honor of being past president of the
Federation and the sixth honorary president.
The honor of establishing the northern section for children's home-work must be
given to this lady, who conscientiously worked for three years, which work has not yet
reached its goal. Mrs. Brown is very proud of her work in the church, being a member
and active worker of the Fifteenth Street A. M. E. Church, of Oakland; president bf
the Mite Missionary Society and vice-president of the Church Aid for years, during
which time she has raised, through church fairs, hundreds of dollars to release the church
mortgage. She is an active member of the Old Folks' Home board and a very much
interested and active worker of the executive board of the Oakland branch of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She is the mother of one
daughter, Frances. It is hoped that she may grow to be as useful and distinguished as
her mother and father.
Among the distinguished women of Los Angeles who have lived a life of service for
humanity and the betterment of the Negro race stands out in bold relief the name of
Mrs. Malcolm Fatten (nee Alice Harvey), formerly of Chicago, Illinois. She has lived
in Los Angeles, California, for over thirteen years. She is one of the best educated
colored matrons in Los Angeles. Mrs. Malcolm H. Fatten is one of the first colored
graduates of the Chicago Normal schools, graduating with honors, and received a schol-
arship for special course in drawing at the Prang Institute of Boston, Massachusetts.
Mrs. Patton has the distinction of being the first and most efficient clerk of Provi-
dent Hospital, in Chicago, Illinois, having served as such for four years, during which
time she was practically the superintendent. Her untiring efforts to place the institution
on a firm foundation is a part of the history of Provident Hospital. The establishing of
a hospital for the training of Negro nurses at the time was considered an experiment,
hence the necessity for careful handling of both the management and the general public
to instill confidence. While at Providence Hospital she attended the lectures and clinics
in the institution, and also at the Northwestern Medical University, located in Chicago,
Illinois.
Mrs. Alice Harvey-Patton's activities for the betterment of the race while a resi-
dent of Chicago were many. She was secretary of the Ida B. Wells Club, serving as
such for many years. While a resident of Chicago she successfully passed two eivU
service examinations and was offered an appointment by the government, when riie
decided to marry.
Mrs. Alice Harvey-Patton, after her marriage, accepted the position as principal
of the Normal department of Paul Quinn College, located at Waco, Texas. She sJso
filled the chair of Geology in the college at the same time. While connected with the
college she was appointed without an examination by the State Superintendent of schools
of Texas, a Mr. James Carlisle, to do summer Normal institute work in Texas.
Since locating in Los Angeles she has been identified in active club work of the
community, having served as president of the Sojourner Truth Club for self-supporting
women. She was identified for eight years as the treasurer of the (white) Parent-
Teacher's Association of the Fourteenth street intermediate school, and an active mem-
ber of the (white) City and State Parent-Teacher's Association, thereby blazing a trail
for the recognizing of the talent of colored school children.
Those who have the pleasure of knowing Mrs. Malcolm Patton in her home pro-
nounce her truly a ''queen of the home," as will be seen from the careful rearing of
her own children as given in the music chapter, their sketches are a true tribute to the
word "mother" and true womanhood. Mrs. Alice Harvey-Patton has filled these posi-
tions with honor and credit to the race, a pleasure to her immediate household and
pleasing to Almighty God. Would that the race had many such women I
Mrs. Mary Sanderson-Qrasses, the subject of this sketch, is one of the daughters
of the late Bev. J. B. Sanderson, the pioneer minister of Oakland. She was the first
colored public school teacher in Oakland, having taught a school in the part of the city
which in pioneer days was known as Brooklyn, and at this writing is called East Oak-
land. The writer had the privilege of reviewing a program which was rendered by her
class at Shattuck Hall, Oakland. It was quite evident that no little one was slighted.
This same spirit still lingers with Mrs. Grasses, who is kind to everybody. None knew
her but to love her.
Digitized by ^^JKJK.}\iis^
OP CALIFORNIA 231
Mrs. Grasses is active in chureh work, having sung in the choir of the Fifteenth
Street Church (A. M. E.) for over thirty years. She has devoted many years of hard
and unselfish work to maintaining the Home for Aged and Infirm Colored People. Few
people ever realized how much she sacrificed to keep t]^e home in the hands of the race.
Beeently she resigned from her position as vice-president and has given the work over
to younger and we hope equally as self-sacrificing a body of women. Mrs. Grasses has
one daughter. Miss Kate, to whom she gave the best education California afforded.
She has traveled all over the United States as an elocutionist. At this writing she has
the distinction of holding a position as the only colored woman clerk in the San Fran-
cisco postoifice.
Mrs. Kate Bradley-Stovall, founder and president emeritus of the Southern Cali-
fornia Alumni Association, was an inspiration to the educational life of Southern
California. A few years ago while the writer was making a trip over the State in quest
of data for this book, she was greatly interested ii| a copy of the Lo8 Angeles Times
under date February 12, 1909, in which her attention was called to the eight pages
devoted to the Negro in Los Angeles. Among these was a page edited by Mrs. Kate
Bradley-Stovall. Unfortunately this dear one had just passed to the great beyond.
Before the writer left Los Angeles she secured a copy of the New Age containing a
complete account of her funeral, which we quote: **A most interesting obituary was read
by Mrs. Thomas J. Nelson, president of the alumni. At Austin, Texas, on August 4,
1884, a little girl was bom to Mr. and Mrs. Allan Bradley. Mr. Bradley was known
to be one of the most prosperous business men of the community. This first little girl '
was named for a sister of Mr. Bradley's to whom he was much attached. Sister Ejite
grew up to be a great favorite of hor aunt and, while quite young, came to Los Angeles
to make her home with lier. Carefully this aunt trained her for womanhood and with
loving interest watched and encouraged the progress she made in her educational work.
Upon her graduation, in 1903, from the Commercial high school, on account of her
excellent record she was one of four chosen from her class to give orations. The com-
mencement was commented upon in the Los Angeles Times, Among other things the paper
said: 'Colored lass eloquent. Commercial high school's striking oration. It was a
high compliment to Kate Bradley that she was chosen as one of the four orators to
represent the graduating class of the Commercial high school, • • • and it was a
distinguished honor the class conferred upon itself by its magnanimous action.
" 'Kate Bradley in the execution of her trust did it with distinguished honor to
herself and the class. She is a tall, lithe, good-featured colored girl; her oration was
eloquent, concise and strong; and her topic, "The New South," was one that enlisted
her sympathy and brought out the warmth of her uature( toward her race, though no
mention was made of any race.
** 'Miss Bradley talked warmly of the progress in the South and its rapid strides
toward a place of greater importance in the commercial world. "This progress," she
said, "may be well termed wonderful, for it did not begin with the Constitution of the
United States." This sentence brought the first applause and it was the nearest ref-
erence she made to the problem. Her summary of the industrial progress and coming
eommercial importance of the New South was worthy of a statesman, both in subject
matter and manner of delivery. •
" 'Miss Bradley received no bouquets as she stepped back to her place, but the
audience, perceiving the probable thoughtless omission, redoubled its applause, and no
more fragrant nor complimentary bouquet could have been tendered her in the numoer-
less masses of bouquets that banked the front of the stage. There no doubt were a
goodly number for her as well as for the other graduates.'
"On November 1, 1904, Kate Bradley became the wife of William Stovall, a young
man of excellent family and sterling worth, who has proven to the community his high
qualities in the way in which he has stood up under the strain of illness and affliction.
Two especially bright children, Wilalyn and Ursula, brightened the union of these young
people. Mrs. Stovall became a factor in race progress in Los Angeles, being intensely
interested in fraternal, religious and secular affairs.
"Her first thought was always toward the work of educational uplift among her
people, and especially did she wish to inspire hope and enthusiasm in the minds of the
young. Working on this line, and acting upon the suggestion of her husband, she
organized the Southern California Alumni Association, in 1909, and served that body
as its very able president for four years, until forced by ill-health to resign. At the
time of her death she was president emeritus of the organization and her thoughts and
hopes were always for its progress.
"On August 5th, the morning after her thirtieth birthday her last sleep came to
her. Though barely past her girlhood, her ambitious life has bgen .,|q fujl^^^^t^^d
232 THE NEGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
energetic purpose that her influence will ever remain, especially to the members of the
Southern California Alumni Association to whom her life has meant much. This associa-
tion passed beautiful resolutions of condolence and respect reflecting the great loss to
the organization in the passing of their first president, Mrs. Kate Bradley-Stovall."
Mrs. 8. Wright, the subject of this sketch, came to California over thirty years ago,
and has identified herself with every movement of interest to the race. She lives in
Santa Monica, but takes an active part in fraternal organizations in Los Angeles. She
was one of the charter members of the Ohio Club, president of Court of Calantha,
8. M. T. worthy princess; most excellent queen of the Ancient Knights and Daughters
of Africa; vice preceptress. Pride of Peace Tabernacle; a member of the Sojourner
Truth Club, Day Nursery, and the Pioneer Club. She is a favorite and much beloved
lady wherever she is known.
Mrs. Willa Stevens came to California in September, 1903, with her parents, Mr.
and Mrs. George Bowland, from Georgia. Beginning a course in dressmaking when
very young, she completed the course under one of the best modistes of the City of Los
Angeles, after which she engaged in business for several years and made a phenomenal
success, being the designer of some of the most gorgeous gowns worn by the elite of Los
Angeles, planning throughout the most elaborate weddings of which the city can boast.
Mrs. Stevens has also finished the trades of millinery and tailoring. She is the wife
of Detective Sergeant Stevens, and is at present the president of the Phy-Art-Lit-Mo.
, Club, which ranks as the leading culture club among colored women in Los Angeles.
She is a member of the Eastern Star and Women's Day Nursery Association, and the
Soldiers' and Sailors' Welfare Commission. She is active in all movements for the
social and moral uplift of colored womanhood and the race in general.
Mrs. Mary L Firmes, the subject of this sketch, is the wife of Captain Thomas A.
Firmes and daughter of Elizabeth Wilson and the late J. B. Wilson of Oakland. Mrs.
Firmes is a native daughter and a graduate of the Oakland high schooL She is an
expert stenographer, having been employed as stenographer by a large law firm in San
Francisco for a number of years previous to her marriage.
When the government opened the Officers' Separate Training Camp at Des Moines,
Iowa, Mrs. Firmes was the only colored girl employed as stenographer, the other two
being white. While at the camp, Mrs. Firmes won the distinction of being the most
proficient of the three stenographers. She is a devoted member of the St. Aagastin
Episcopalian Mission of Oakland.
The following is quoted from the Western Outlook and is a part of a very exceUent
letter that was written by Mrs. Sarah Severance, of San Jose, and published in the
San Jose Mercury as a memorial on the death of Mrs. Overton, who was a distingnishwi
citizen of that city and one of the distinguished women of the race in California. It
said:
"August 24, 1914, passed to rest Sarah Massey Overton. She was bom in Lenox,
Massachusetts, in 1850, and, as a young girl, came to California with her f amily^ living
first in Gilroy and soon moving to San Jose. She was educated in the seminary of the
Bev. P. T. Cassey, then located at Williams and Fourth streets. In 1869 she was married
in Trinity Church to Jacob Overton, a native of Kentucky, who came to San Jose with
Dr. Oveiton and for years was a trusted and highly esteemed employee of the Knox
family.
''Both have filled a large place in the useful industries of San Jose. Mrs. Overton
made a model home for her husband, her son, Charles, and daughter, Harriet. She
was gifted in household arts, but she cared for all good things, such as peace and tem-
perance. For years she was a member of the Political Equality Club of San Jose, and,
in the campaign of 1911, at her own expose she went accredited by the club to several
cities throughout the State to arouse the interest of the Afro-Ajnerican voters, and
doing more perhaps than any other member, as she was a good speaker.
"She was second vice-president of the San Jose Suffrage Amendment League. She
was also president of the Victoria Earle Mathews Club, a branch of one founded in
New York, designed to protect imperiled girls from those who prowl for their destruc-
tion, and idle also worked to uplift Negro girls. When the Phoenixsonian Institute was
planned, to give African children a chance for education, to be^ located where Christ
Church now stands, Mrs. Overton canvassed California and Nevada with success, but
probably through the sentiment she aroused, the California legislators passed a law
giving the Negro children the right to attend the public schools, so the institution was
not founded.
''Not only was our friend interested in public work, but she was a capable church
member. The Bev. B. L. Mitchel wishes it recorded that she was an invaluable worker
of that church, from which she was buried. The husband, daughter and son have our
Digmzed by "KJKJKJSt IV^
OF CALIFORNIA 233
deepest sympatlxy, but this Christian woman liveth still; she has simplj turned the
comer a Uttle ahead of us.''
Mrs. Julia A. Shorey, the wife of Captain Shorey, and mother of Miss Victoria, is
a native daughter, coming from an old pioneer family. She is the daughter of Mr.
Frank Shelton, who was one of the founders of the first colored Baptist Church in
California. She was given the best education possible in pioneer days, receiving the
same in Bev. Peter Cassey's boarding-school for girls located at San Jose. This school
taught high school English branches and also music.
After completing her education in this school, she returned to her home in San
Francisco. She had been thoroughly taught the art of French embroidery while attend-
ing boarding-school. This resulted in her readily securing employment with Miss
Eldridge, who at the time had an establishment in the Samuels building in San Francisco.
When Miss Eldridge had a display of handiwork at the ''Mechanics' Fair" in that city,
she selected some of the work of Miss Julia Shelton, which resulted in opening the
doors for other colored girls to enter this school for the study of fine art French
embroidery. For years, even after she became Mrs. Shorey, she would fill exquisite
orders for Schowasher 's, who have a shop across the street from the White House in
Ban Francisco.
Mrs. Julia Shorey has lived an intensely active life for the benefit of the race.
She is the most active officer and member of the organization known as the Home for
Aged and Infirm Colored People of Oakland. She is past district grand most noble
governor of California, holding the office of the district of California for two years; a
member of the Household of Buth; Good Samaritan; charter member of Knaresbourgh
Circle, president of the Old Folks Home for sixteen years. Notwithstanding the active
life Mrs. Shorey lives in the club and fraternal organizations, she must be given the
credit of being an excellent mother and wife, and is directly responsible for the success
of both her husband and daughter.
Miss Victoria Shorey, the subject of this sketch, has been given every educational
advantage. During her student days at the Oakland Polytechnic high school she was
the only colored girl member of the basketball team, playing with the team at all their
games between the different high schools in the Bay cities, even with the fashionable
private school of Miss Head, in Berkeley.
The students of the Oakland Technical high school have a special contest every
term in typing. At one of these contests Miss Shorey won a gold medal from the Bem-
ington Typewriter Machine Company, her record being sixty words a minute. Previous
to this contest she won a diploma from the Underwood Typewriting Machine Company,
and also received a certificate of qualification for efficiency in typewriting, her speed
in shorthand equalling one hundred and twenty words a minute. She graduated with
the winter class of 1917, receiving her diploma in business and English.
It gives the writer great pleasure to present to the reader the following sketch of
Miss Buth Masengale, of Oakland, California. She is the daughter of the highly-
respected citizens, Mr. and Mrs. John Masengale. She is a native daughter and has
the distinction of being educated in the excellent public schools of California. The
value of this statement will be appreciated as you review her sketch.
Miss Masengrale is an accomplished musician. She graduated from the grammar
school of Oakland in June, 1912, and, notwithstanding in poor health, she immediately
re-entered school the following August, graduating from the high school December 2,
1914. After taking a two-year business course, consisting of English, Spanish, short-
hand, typewriting, commercial correspondence, bookkeeping and g3rmnasium.
She returned to high school August, 1915, to continue her studies, took up algebra,
English, history and Spanish. The last semester she worked in the office of the Spanish
teacher, who was also the supervisor of Spanish in the public schools of Oakland.
When ^e left school she had completed three and a half years of Spanish. The writer
has in her possession a letter which was written by the supervisor of Spanish of the
Oakland schools. In this letter he speaks of Miss Masengale 's efficiency in the Spanish
language, and also as his private secretary for six months. This was a recognition of
her ability, because she was selected from a school containing many thousand white
students. Miss Masengale is careful and thorough in anything she undertakes. The
writer is glad to state that she has translated many very old Spanish documents for
their use in the preparation of this book.
Afterward Miss Masengale was employed by Attorney Oscar Hudson, who, while
he is consul for Liberia at the Port of San Francisco, is also an attorney who enjoys
a large clientage among thei Spanish people. She successfully served Mr. Hudson for
over a year, when she took the civil service examination and passed with a high per-
centage, receiving almost an immediate appointment from Washing|^i3]\JIl^^&(^s
234 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
ordered to the custom house in San Francisco, where she was engaged in making oot
passports. At this present writing she holds a position as stenographer in the eonnty
clerk's office of the City of Oakland, the first time the position has been held by a
colored person. *
Mrs. Ivah L. Gray came to Oakland, California, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, some
twelve years or more ago. She is an active member of the fifteenth Street Church;
president of the Fanny Coppin Club, a social, literary and musical club of Oakland.
She is the State organizer of the northern division of the Federated Clubs; an active
member of the Ada Young Bed Cross Auxiliary and a member of the Soldiers' Comfort
Committee. Mrs. Gray is the mother of i^i interesting family of three children^ to
whom she is quite devoted and a companionable mother. She is an artist with the
needle, making fine laces and hand-embroidery. She has charge of this department of
the Fanny Coppin Club. Many ladies have received instruction from Mrs. Gray. She
is sincere and faithful in any undertaking she may engage in.
There are many colored ladies in California who are great artists in both oil and
also the art of china-painting, but while the writer has solicited their sketches, the
following is the only one received in time for this book: "Patricia Garland was
born in New York on March 17, 1882 Following her father's death, which occurred a
few years later, she and a younger brother accompanied their mother to San FraneiscOy
where they arrived in 1888, after a^ long trip down the Atlantic, across the Isthmus of
Panama and up the Pacific Ocean to Sui Francisco Bay and city.
"Miss Garland attended the public schools of San Francisco and was graduated in
1899. Even at this early age she managed to master a trade through serving as an
apprentice after school hours to Mrs. Phillip Johnson, from whom she learned the art
of hair-dressing, manicuring and hairwork entirely.
''In 1903 the family moved to Oakland, and the following year Miss Garland took
a nurse-training course in the San Francisco Foundling and Lying-in Hospital, under the
direction of Dr. Harrison and Dr. Layue. She followed her profession of nursing for
a number of years, but at the same time in conjunction with her mother, Mrs. Ljron,
she maintained a model home for the care of young children, in which enterpriae she
has received the enthusiastic endorsement of prominent people and met with pronounced
success. Her home for boarding children at present is under the State Board of Charities
and Corrections of California.
''Not content with the usual amount of work she was able to crowd into her busy
days, she decided through the medium of the Oakland evening high school to add
bookkeeping, stenography, Spanish, French and typewriting to her other accomplish-
ments. The night school work has been carried along with her other activities for
several years. Previously she had been a member of an art and industrial club organ-
ized by Mrs. Mary Wilkinson, of Oakland, and had studied all the branches of hand-
work. Her entire outfit was presented to her by Mrs. Wilkinson. In October, 1908^
this club was admitted into the National Federation of Colored Women's Clubs and
Miss Garland contributed Spanish drawn-thread work, embroidery, crochet-work and
many pieces of hand-painted china to its first exhibition. Later on she further per-
fected herself in this work through a course in the Arts and Crafts School under
Professor Myers, of Berkeley.
' ' Through *a fortunate chance Miss Garland was enabled to gain further valuable
experience in the studio of Miss Alvira Miller, where she started work in the kiln-room
And soon became so useful that she was often placed in charge of the entire studio and
its valuable stock of china painting and gold coin during the owner's absence from
town. She was a valued assistant in this work for four years, and during this period
she took further lessons, covering the entire course in designing, realistios, conventional,
raised paste, etching, enamels, semi-metallics, firing and the mending of china. She
painted the designs on an entire set of one hundred and fifty pieces of china for one
of the wealthy women of Oakland, California.
"An account of Miss Garland's varied life and talents would not be complete
without referring to her love of music and her ability to play both the mandolin and
violin, also the cornet. It would be difficult to say wherein lies Miss Garland's greatest
ability, so varied and broad has been her training. But she is above all a eredit to
her race, in spite of the fact that in order to achieve the enviable progress she has been
compelled to overcome many obstacles and has always been handicapped by lack of
funds. It is the example of such lives which is helping more than anything else to
break down the barriers."
Mrs. Boberta Batie, the wife of the late Captain Henry Batie, comes from an old
pioneer California family. Her mother was no less person than Mrs. Sara Johnaon,
who was a real "Trail Blazer" in opening a way for Negr^ , M^^r |n,^|^^^igele8 to
OP CALIFORNIA . 235
own homes in respeetable neighborhoods. She purchased a piece of property in what
was known as the Alexander Weild tract in pioneer days. The few white people then
living in the tract entered a protest and threatened to bum her out, but she held her
ground and today not only white but colored people live in the tract and in peace. The
Negro residents own beautiful horned and many apartment-houses that are modem in
every appointment.
Mrs. Batie is thoroughly educated and owns much valuable personal property. She
has been an officer and active worker in the Sojourner Truth Home for Working Oirls
and in many other movements of value to colored women of California. Since the
death of her husband she has studied and mastered the art of chiropody, being the first
colored woman to scientifically study the subject in the State. She enjoys a large
practice among the exclusive rich. She is a delightful lady whom everybody admires.
Mrs. Louise M. Chrisman is the widow of Lewis Edward Chrisman (deceased).
Civil War veteran, and aunt of James Franklin Bundy (deceased), formerly secretary
of Howard University Law School, of Washington, D. C; pioneer **TraU Blazer;"
holder of extensive timber lands in Idaho and Oregon and, with her daughters, owner
and numager. of the Chrisman Apartments of Los Angeles, one of our most modem
and beaut^ul apartments for race families.
Mrs. Gladys Beo Harris, a native daughter, having been bom in Pomona, is the
daughter of Mrs. Lydia Harris, of Pasadena, graduating from the Pasadena high school
in surt and literature, in 1913. She entered the University of Southern California in
1914, majoring in sociology course. In March, 1918, she stood a county civil service
examination for relief work. There were sixty-seven who stood the examination, sev-
enteen passed, and Miss Harris, the only Negro, passed and received an immediate
appointment in Los Angeles County for outdoor relief work among the colored people.
Mrs. J. Logan Craw is the daughter of Mr. Fred L. Jeltz, of Topeka, Kansas, one
of the prominent settlers of that place and editor of the Ennsaa State Ledger for
twenty-two years. He is the oldest Negro editor in Kansas. His daughter, Mrs. Craw,
was given the best education possible. She graduated from the high school of Topeka
and the Teachers' Normal school of the State of Kansas. During her school days she
was an active member of the Philoihetorian Beading Club, after which she studied for
four years in Mrs. Menninger's Bible School, of Topeka, Kansas. She graduated with
honors from this school. Mrs. Craw is credited with organizing the first Bible class in
Kansas. She is an enthusiastic Bible student wherever her lot is cast. For seven
years she was a public school teacher in the Washington school of Topeka, Kansas.
When Mrs. Menninger's Bible school graduated the class of which Mrs. Craw was
a member, the Christian Eerald (white), in commenting on the different members of
the class, said: ''Among these pupils several teach Bible classes and several teach in
the public school. Misi^ Jeltz, though young in years, has taught in the city schools.
She is principal of the Sunday school primary department, and her intelligent encour-
agement and example were of great help to Mrs. Menninger.''
Miss Lillian Jeltz was married to Bev. J. Logan Craw July 1, 1911. The Centennial
A. M, E. Beview had the following to say concerning Mrs. Chraw: "* * * Most
successful teacher and consecrated Christian lady, an ideal minister's wife, and has
been president of the Puget Sound Conference Branch W. M. M. Society." During
Bev. Craw's i>astorate at Eighth and Towne A. M. E. Church, Mrs. Craw has produced
two plays, products of her own pen. They were highly appreciated by the public. The
first was ''The Temple of Fame" and the other "The Kermisess of Brides." She not
only wrote these plays, but staged them as well. She is an active member of the
Sojourner Truth Club and the Harriett Tubman Bed Cross Auxiliary, and is a delightful
and lovable lady.
Mrs. Beatrice Sumner Thompson, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Boston,
Massachusetts, in 1880. Her par^^ts moved to Denver, Colorado, where^ she was edu-
cated in the city schools. After graduation she received a clerical appointment in the
County treasurer's office of that city, where she remained for ten years, during which
time she held the position of assistant bookkeeper and other positions of trust in
the office. Since then she has been actively engaged in educational work, especially
along civic lines. Among other prominent offices, Bhe has held those of secretary and
president of the Women's Civic- and Protective League, an organization of colored
women having for its object the study of the intelligent use of the ballot and the
making and enforcement of laws for the protection of colored citizens. She is an
enthudiastie advocate of woman suffrage, especially as it affects the women of the race.
Mrs. Thompson is at present secretary of the Los Angeles branch of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People and also secretary of the Colored
Division of the Los Angeles branch of the California War History „|^gu^i^^^^^^^
236 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Mrs. Bebecca Averett, the subject of this sketch, is known as one of the best
educated colored ladies living in Oakland. 8he is a sister to the late George Mitehel,
whose sketch appears in this book. Like her brother, she believes in accomalating
property. She and her husband own numy valuable pieces of property in Oakland, and
their home in Oakland is both modem and elegantly but modestly furnished. Mrs.
Averett has lived a life of usefulness for the benefit of the race. When a resident of
San Francisco she was the leading contralto singer in the Bethel Church choir. After
moving to Oakland she continued her church activities, but with the church of her
husband's belief. She takes an active part in the choir and the giving of chorch
entertainments. Some of the most spectacular entertainments ever given in Oakland
have been staged by Mrs. Averett for the benefit of North Oakland Baptist Ohorclu
Previous to coming to Oakland, Galifomia, she taught in the public schools of Virginia,
and until thi9 day in whatever she does she uses the exactness and precision of a school
teacher. She is sincere in all her dealings with others.
There is not an individual in this department more deserving than Miss £. Gertrude
Ohrisman, the subject of this sketch. This young woman is a real ''Trail Blazer.'^
She has a will second to none. She is of Indian extraction, and her parents eame
across the plains in pioneer days and took up two Indian claims in Idaho. Miss Chria-
man was educated in the public schools and State University of Idaho. Later she
attended the University of Puget Sound, of Tacoma, Washington.
After her graduation she stood the civil service examination and was given an
appointment in the postoffice in Seattle, Washington. It was during her stay in this
position that she attended the drawings for government lands held in Spokane, Wash-
ington, and secured a successful number for a homestead plot of land in Idaho. The
government requires that one live on the land for two years to secure title. Thia did
not daunt this young woman, who immediately resigned her position and decided that
she would live on her plot, and with hammer and nails built her own shack. She stood
all the hardships of homesteading for two years, during which time she discovered that
the timber on her plot was very valuable.
In the meantime, the health of her mother becoming impaired, the family decided
to move to Los Angeles, California. It was then that she was besieged by lumber
dealers to sell the timber on her homestead plot. This she did by telegraph after the
lumbermen decided to give her what she considered a fair market price. The family
turned the money immediately into the building of a modern apartment house, after
which she accepted a position where she worked at a fair wage and saved the same,
attending the California State Normal school, from which institution she was graduated
in March, 1916. Miss Chrisnum was teacher, and then principal of the Brooker T. Wash-
ington school at El Centre, Imperial Valley, California, for two years. During the summer
she returned to Los Angeles, where she spent the summer vacation with her mother and
sister. She also attended the summer sessions at the University of California, where
she continued the study of the Spanish language and other subjects. At the present
time she is employed as teacher in the Palo Verde school, one of the Los Angeles city
sohools in the North Broadway district.
Miss £. Gertrude Chrisman is teaching in a school with eight white teachers. She
is teaching Spanish and other languages. She is the most wonderful girl the writer
has ever met. Several years ago, when she rooke of her intention to teach in the public
schools of the State, the writer seriously advised against even the attempt, believing
it would result in another race-issue concerning mixed schools, and remembering the
struggle the Negro people of the State had made to obtain equal school facilities and
the fight made against locating a Negro Polytechnic school at Allensworth; she could
not in justice advise her differently. My motto is, "My race first and my best friend
afterward.'' But I bow in proud recognition of the ability of this grand woman y^ho
has broken through the strong wall of prejudice in spite of the fact that at this writing
the County Hospital nurses have defiantly refused to obey an order of the supervisors
to admit colored nurses for fear of an equality of position and a possibility of just
being human.
Miss E. Gertrude Chrisman is the honor "Trail Blazer" for education of the
present day Negro people in California. Since the writing of this dcetch the writer
has been informed that the nurses at the County Hospital Training school threatened to
strike because the superintendent of nurses has examined and placed on the eligible
list Negro student nurses. They rank "eleven, twelve and thirteen on a list consisting
of thirty, and in the ordinary course of events will be reached at or before the end of
the year." (Quoted irom the Citieen Advocate, as reprinted from the Los Angeles
Express.)
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Motion Picture .Actress
ind Dancer.
238
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
HON. JOHN AA-KSLEY COLEMAN
The Old Reliable Employment Agent of Los Angeles.
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OP OAMPORNIA 239
The writer in giving this the history of the Negro in California has, by careful
research, endeavored to secure the name of every ''Tniil Blazer," from the first Negro
guide with an exploring party, to the having of Spanish documents translated for the
truthfulness of statements made by other i^tets concerning the Negro in California.
At great expense she has solicited and entreated persons of tiie race who have blazed a
traU in any particular line to allow this history to give their experience for the encour-
agement of uie race. Of ten the desired information has been withheld through a false
pride as to the struggle and hardships encountered in their upward climbs, 'niey seem
to forget that they owe it to the future generation of Negroes to tell of this struggle
that it might aid them to not losa heart. This has not been the policy of ''Madam
8ul-Te-Wan," who has secured her place in the motion picture world.
The motion picture, which we have all learned to appreciate as a mode of advanced
entertainment, has but f ewi Negro players who serve with white companies. In Call*
f omia it is a great industry. Many of our women make good wages serving motion
picture actresses. There is one and only one Negress motion picture actress in "stock"
on the Pacific Coast. She is employed at a good salary by Mr. D. W. Griffith, the
producer of the film <<The Clansman." This little lady, Madam 8ul-Te-Wan, is a
legitimate actress and her upward climb into the motion picture world is most interesting
and worthy of the pen of a great writer. Nevertheless the author will attempt to give
the reader some of the facts in her upward climb to this high position, for she is glad
of the fact that she is a true representative of the race and her sketch will show that
she has reached this position on merit alone.
There are some persons in the race who do not like to speak of their lowly birth
because of the poverty of their parents, forgetting that honest poverty is no disgrace.
Madam 8ul-Te-Wan is proud of the fact that her mother was a washerwoman and, as a
widow, washed for actresses that she might secure good prices and ready pay. This
little lady, as a girl, would deliver the washing to the actresses at the stage door, and
thereby was often permitted to remain and see the show. This was in Louisville, Ken-
tucky. The next day she would rehearse the act at school and tell her classmates that
some day she, too, would be an actress.
The mother was too poor to have her daughter trained either to sing or dance. But
all the time she was delivering the washings to such well-known actresses as Mary
Anderson and Fanny Davenport, two of the best teachers possible and who could not
have been employed for any sum as a teacher. These renowned actresses and singers
became very much interested in this nut-brown daughter of their washerwoman. So con-
vinced were they that she had talent that they enlisted the assistance of the then
Mayor of Louisville, a Mr. James Whalen, who had charge of the Buckingham Theater.
He gave this little colored girl a trial, and used, as an attraction at his theater, twenty-
five little colored girls who did singing and dancing. He offered a prize for the best
''buck and wing dancer." The first prize was a granite dishpan and granite spoon.
It was won by the subject of this sketch. This gave her confidence in herself. Her
mother was very proud of the granite dishpan and rooon, and decided to allow her
daughter to fill other engagements. After she was fully convinced that she did have
talent she moved with her to Cincinnati, Ohio.
The move t6 Cincinnati was a good venture for this widow washerwoman, for it
gave her daughter a broader field in which to develop her talent among strangers. This
little dancing protege of Mary Anderson and Fanny Davenport readily found work for
weekct at a time at the Dime Museum, located on Vine street, Cincinnati, Ohio. After-
ward in the family theaters "Over the Bhine," as a section of that city is known.
This led to her finally joining a company called the "Three Black Cloaks." She
played under the title "Creole Nell" while in Cincinnati and won recognition. By
assuming this title "she soon again came in communication with Miss Fanny Davenport,
who sent her a telegram to secure for her some colored players to take some minor part
in a play she was playing, as she was coming to Cincinnati.
Her experience in Cdcinnati, and the aid given to Miss Davenport, gave this little
actress supreme confidence in her own ability, and she, too, decided that she could and
did organize a company which was known as "The Black Four Hundred," which
employed sixteen i»eif ormers and twelve musicians. She traveled throughout the eastern
States with this company, meeting with great success. The next season she organized
and staged another company which she caUed "The Bair Back Minstrels." The success
attending this adventure was so very great that she was besieged to marry and did
marry.
But alas, the marriage of an actress or singer does not always spell success and
happiness I The subject of our sketch came to the Pacific Coast and, after a residence
in California of about two years, her husband deserted her witl^|hreg ^U^^^J^^^ |t^e
240 THE NBGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
yonngest being three weeks old. She became so redueed in finances that she was
compelled to go before the Fonim Club and beg for assistance, which they gave her
three different times. She was presented to the Fomm by Mr. J. W. Coleman^ the
employment agent. She was accompanied by her three children. When the time came
for her to address that grand body of gentlemen, she began to cry, whereupon her
oldest son, who was not yet seven years, looking np into his mother 's face, said:
''Mother you are not begging. We are going to sing and earn what they give yon."
He and his little brother sang as they had never song before and greatly impressed
the Forum Club.
Madam Sul-Te-Wan was living in Arcadia, and her husband not only deserted her
with these three children, but he failed to pay the rent with the money she had sent
home from her singing and dancing. She was left with ten months' back rent to pay.
The Associated Charities of Los Angeles brought her into town and rented a place for
her and her children. It is pitiful to hear how she then struggled to obtain work.
Madam Sul-Te-Wan had never done anything else from a little g&l but sing and dance.
8he knew nothing about housework, for she hired some one to stay with her children
while she danced in the East and for a while in California. The first time in her life
she was confronted with a mighty problem, how to become an immediate bread-winner
for herself and three children. The white theatrical booking companies did not give
her any engagements, claiming that they did not make independent bookings, and other
excuses. She did not wish to become a charge on the charity of the neighbors and her
children must have bread. She finally secured an engagement at the ^er Theater of
Venice, California. This short engagement did not pay very much and it did not require
long for her to use the money up. Then there was a long, long spell of idleness and
tramping the streets to try and secure something to do. Finally, as a last resort, she
decided to go to Mr. D. W. Griffith, who at the time was producing ''The Clansman."
She had heard that he was employing a great number of colored people. She personally
went to Mr. Qriffith and presented her card. He immediately hired her at three dollars
per day, which seemed like a fortune to her at the time. After the first day's work
he immediately gave her five dollars per day. He was so impressed with her acting
that he immediately had written a separate sketch for "The Clansman" in which she
appeared as a rich colored lady, finely gowned and owner of a Negro colony of educated
colored citizens, who not only owned their own land, but she drove her own coach and
four-in-hand. This scene was to show the advancement of the Negro from ante-bellum
days to this present period. After the picture was made (and Madam was so proud
of the money she had earned), the censor cut the part out in which she appeared as a
rich colored lady, and other parts, leaving only the bitter-gall portions for the insults
of the Negro race throughout the nation. Madam also appeared in the mob scene in
**The Clansman," and carried a fan given her by Mary Anderson when she was a
school child carrying the washing to the stage door. During her acting in the mob
scene she lost the fan and stopped her acting, whereupon Mr. Qriffith ^led througk
the speaking trumpet, "Qo on; I will buy you another fan. Tour acting is good; go
on." After "The Clansman" was finished there was nothing else for her to do, and
the three little children miisf "have bread and rent must be paid. So one day she
decided that she wanted the money that Mr. Griffith would give for the purchase of s
new fan, as he had said on that particular day. She went out to the studio and asked
him if he would not give her the money that he would give to purchase her another
fan, as she needed the money worse than the fan, even if it was a keepsake gift tim
Mary Anderson, whereupon Mr. Griffith gave her a cheek for twenty-five dollars and
placed her on the pay-roll at five dollars per day, work or play. He then went to New
York with the picture, "The Clansman."
"The Clansman" at the same time began* to play in Los Angeles and the Negro
people preceded to have the censor cut out some objectionable features of the film. The
next week's pay envelope contained a notice, "Ton are no longer needed." She
inquired of the manager in charge why she was being discharged, and at first he would
not give her a hearing. Then told her some white actress had lost a Christian Science
book and thought that she had stolen it and that she was responsible for the colored
people fighting the film, "The Clansman." Madam Sul-Te-Wan was very angry and
replied that her struggle for bread for her three children had prevented her from
coming in contact with the educated members of the race who had time to read and
study as to whether the film was detrimental to the race. She came seeking an oppor-
tunity to honestly earn bread for her three little children, and the work in "The Clans-
man" was the only door open for her to earn it. Madam further replied to the man-
ager in charge that she would immediately get in touch with some of the educated and
ii^uential Negro people of Los Angeles and ask them to defend her from the accusation
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of being a thief and the arousing of nnpopolar sentiment against ''The Clansman ''
after it had given her bread. She knew that they would deal justly with her as they
were able to do with the film ''The Clansman.'*
She left tiie stndio and decided to go to that great humanitarian and lawyer,
Edward Burton Ceruti, who, ^thout cost to her, defended her, sending a letter to Mr.
Grifilth in New York and the manager in Hollywood at the studio. This resulted in
Madam being reinstated on the pay-roll and later was featured in "The Marriage
Market," in the film "Intolerance." She was also featured in "Happy Valley's Oldest
Boy ' ' and ' ' Up from the Depths. ' '
Last Spring the thought occurred to her that it would not be a bad idea to ask for
a letter of recommendation, which Mr. Griffith readily consented that she was entitled
to and instructed his manager to write the same. Afterward he relieved Madam Sul-
Te-Wan's fears that she might not secure work with other companies by introducing
her to some of the leading motion picture film producers on the Pacific Coast, who have
given her work in some of the best and most popular pictures made in the State. He
also introduced her to Theda Bara and was the means of her employing Madam Sul-
Te-Wan's middle son, John, to feature in "Madam DuBarry." The letter referred
to 18 as follows:
' ' Fine Arts Film Company.
"Majestic Motion Picture Company Producers. Studio: 4500 Sunset Blvd.
"D. W. Griffith, General Manager, Frank E. Woods, Assistant to General Manager.
"J. C. Eppeny, Business Manager.
"Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1917.
"To Whom It May Concern: This is to certify that the bearer, Madam Sul-Te-
Wan, is a colored actress of exceptional ability and has been a member of our stock
company for the past three years. She has played a number of very good parts in our
pictures and gave very good satisfaction. * * *
"Yours very truly,
"MAJESTIC MOTION PICTURE COMPANY.
"By Fbank E. Woods."
Mrs. Sadie Chandler-Cole, the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of Abraham
Washington Chandler and Sarah Hatfield-Chandler, of Cincinnati, Ohio. Her father
was one of the founders of the Mound Street Baptist Church of that city and a con-
ductor of the "Underground Bailroad." Her mother attended the first high school for
free colored }>eop]e in Cincinnati, Ohio, and her grandfather bought a scholarship in
Oberlin College, in Ohio. Her mother sang in the select choir of the Academy of Music
established by the abolitionists and friends of free colored people. Her mother also
attended school with Governor Pinchback, and many other persons who have since
become notable.
Mrs. Sadie Chandler-Cole was given a fine education by her parents. She was
especially trained as a singer and was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, with whom
she traveled for years. After her marriage she located in Detroit, Michigan, from
where, after a residence of several years, she and her husband, Mr. Thomas A. Cole,
who is a son of James H. Cole, the late wealthy real estate holder of that city, they
moved to Los Angeles. They have lived in this city for the past eighteen years.
Mrs. Cole is a teacher of, modem and vocal music and a great social worker. She
is a thorough race woman, and has done much in Los Angeles to create favorable senti-
ment for the race. She was the first person to have removed an objectional sign,
"Negroes not wanted." This was many years before the activities of the N. A. A.
C. P. Mrs. Cole went into a lunch-stand on Broadway and asked for a glass of butter-
milk. They first refused to serve her and then they told her it would cost fifty cents.
They sold it to others for five cents. She told the writer that she was determined to
break up the discrimination if she had to die, and proceeded to break up the man's
place of business. They called the police and when he came and inquired the trouble
he demanded that the proprietor serve her without extra charge. This was a direct
opening wedge in removing objectionable signs.
Mrs. Cole, at the time, was engaged as deputy registrar for the City of Los Angeles,
and a member of the executive board of the Dry Federation of the State of California.
Her actions created favorable sentiment throughout the State and Nation for the Negro
race. Mrs. Cole has always been a great race woman. While living in Detroit, Michi-
gan, she framed a memorial and had the State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs
send it to the Congress of the United States, asking them to give indemnity to Mrs.
Baker, whose husband. Postmaster Baker, was assassinated in hU home mR^hO^-
242 THE NBGEO TRAIL BriAZERS
Una. This was daring the MeKinley administration^ and before tiie late Presideat
McKinley eould aet upon it he, too, was assassinated.
Mrs. Cole is one of the first women to organize a club of women who have gone to
the jails and prayed with nnf ortnnate colored women. She has a wonderful personality
and is the mother of f onr children. One son is now serving in France with the National
AuDj, and her daughter, Florence Gole-Talbert, is the diamond medalist of the "Muaie"
chapter.
Mrs. Sadie Cole's mother, Mrs. Chandler, lives with another daughter in L«08
Angeles, Mrs. Wildred Chandler- Williams, who has the distinction of being the first
colored woman in Los Angeles to be recognized as a modiste by the exclusive rich. She
is an artist in her line and has employed as high as ten colored women who were also
artistic needle women. She has lived in the City of Los Angeles for thirty years and
is fully recognized by the world of fashion as an artistic modiste. Her mother is past
ninety, but with a ndnd very bright and has a keen interest in the passing events.
Mrs. Sadie Chandler-Cole has the distinction of having for a brother the leading
Negro Baptist minister in the United States, Bev. Arthur cSiandler, who has been won-
dei^ully educated. He first graduated from Dennison University, at Granville, Ohio,
and later at the school located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, finally going to Boston, where
he studied and graduated in the Newton Seminary as a theologian. He, together with
his interesting family, live in Detroit, Michigan. His daughter. Miss Anna, graduated
last June 'from the Central high school of that city.
Mrs. Pool, the subject of this sketch, came to California some fourteen years a^
from LeadviUe, Colorado, with her mother, who was then ilL She is a native of Lear-
enworth, Kansas, and, at the age of seven, became connected with the A. M. J5. Church.
Since coming to California she has identified herself with every movement! which haa
for its object the betterment of the Negro race. She has been active in the building
of the Sojourner Truth Home and has served that club as treasurer and, at this writing,
is vice-president. Mrs. Pool is a member of the St. John Lodge Chapter (Electric) and
one of the Forty-niners of the Independent People's Church of Christ of Los Angelea
She and her husband own many valuable pieces of property. Mrs. Pool is a staunch
friend and an enterprizing race woman who is well liked and respected by all.
Mrs. Billingsley-Jones, a native of Greenville, Tennessee, came from Dayton, Ohio,
to Los Angeles, California, sixteen years ago. She is a great worker in charity and
benevolent societies. She has been a member of the M. £. Wesley Chapel for many
years until the founding of the Independent People's Church of Christ, when she joined
to be with her husband, who holds an office in this body. She is a member of the choir
and an active worker in all the other branches of the church. She is also an active
member of the Household of Buth and is a well-respected and distinguished citizen of
Los Angeles.
Mrs. Howard Skanks is another distinguished pioneer citizen who stands for enobled
womanhood and is actively engaged in aiding all lone women who are struggling for an
eidstence. She is modest and unassuming, giving freely of both time and money In any
movement for the betterment of Negro women. She owns a beautiful home in the St.
James district of Los Angeles* and has entertained nearly all the distinguished colored
people coming to the Coast. Mr. and Mrs. Shanks are New Englanders and are among
the most reliable and highly respected people living in California.
Mrs. Fern Bagland is a great club woman, active in charity work and the Bay
Nursery. She and her husband came from Meridian, Mississippi, over thirty years ago
and have built one of the first apartment-houses owned by colored people in Los Angelea.
They have twelve ai>artments, with all modem improvements. They have three children,
Beskin, Mary and Charlie. Mr. Bagland is a hotel man and a devoted husband.
Mrs. Amanda Shelton-Green, the subject of this sketch, came to California fifty
years ago from Orange County, Virginia. She was one of four ehUdren whose mother
had died, and their father, Mr. Edward Shelton, brought his young family to his father
and mother, who at the time were living in San Francisco, CtJifomia. Her father,
Mr. Edward Shelton, followed blacksmithing and gave to all his children the best educa-
tion possible. There were three girls and one boy, namely, Moulton, Amanda, Carrie
and Julia. The oldest, Amanda, married Mr. Joseph Green, of Wilmington, North Caro-
lina. Mr. Green was a great musician and for twenty-five years was a member of the
Alphia Orchestra which played in the Palm Court of the Palace Hotel of San Francisco.
The union was blessed by the birth of four children, two girls of whom are still living,
namely, Cecil and Lauretta.
Mrs. Sallie E. Taylor-Biehardson was bom in Louisville, Kentucky. She is the
daughter of Mr. Henry and Harriett Taylor. They moved from Kentucky when the
subject of this sketch was quite young, locating in Woodlawn, Illinois, where the
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OP CALIFORNIA 243
dang^hter was educated until ready to enter a girl's college. She was then sent to
Eztine Norton Universityy located at Caine Springs, Kentucky. She graduated from
this institution as salutatorian of her class. After her graduation she married Mr. A.
C. Biehardson and for a while lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, later coming to Los Angeles,
where she studied and mastered the science of Chiropody and received a certificate.
She practiced in Los Angeles until she earned sufS.cient money to buy a large and valu-
able piece of pro}>erty at Wilmington, near Los Angeles, which property, since the ship-
builduig industry of the Great World War, has greatly increased in value.
She is a club worker, and an active worker for Sojourner Truth Home Club. The
greatest work Mrs. Richardson has done was the benefit she gave for Dr. Bundy of East
8t. Louis, Missouri. She told the writer that she believed that he was trying to help
the Negro race and for that reason was persecuted and should be befriended by every
member of the race. She also said that she was from and old family in Kentucky who
would die defending the race. Her grandmother was a conductor in the ''Underground
Bailroad" and assisted many fleeing Negro slaves. Her grandfather was a blasksmith
and also a member of the ' * Underground Bailroad. ' ' A great uncle was a defender of
his rights to that extent that he killed two white men whom he saw assaulting a Negro
girl. He chopped them in the head with a garden-hoe. The court was so afraid of him
that they put him in a cage and brought him to court to try him because he assaulted a
white man. So, as she said: "My very spirit seemed to cry out to help Dr. Bundy,
who had suffered so much on account of the East St. Louis riots.
She attended a course at the summer session of the Southern California University
on "Current Events'' and public speaking, and was invited to address the class on
the Negro's part in the World's Democracy.
Miss Lillian Simpson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Simpson, of Little Bock,
Arkansas, came to California with her parents at the age of three years and located in
Bakersfield, where the was educated. After leaving school she studied the art of
millinery in an exclusive shop owned by Miss Eva Bobinson. After finishing her
trade and working up to the position as head maker and assistant trimmer, she filled
an important position as such in Bedlicks' department store, one of the leading stores
in Bakersfield. After filling this position for three years, she resigned and accepted a
similar position in the largest leading and exclusive department store of that city,
Hockheimer & Company, serving as head maker and assistant trimmer for seven years.
This position required Miss Simpson's making annual trips to Sau Francisco and
Los Angeles to the Wholesale millinery houses, 'niis poidtion was the only one of its
kind ever held in CaUf omia by a colored woman.
Mrs. Lula Bussel, living in California for over thirty-two years and thirty years
in Bakersfield, is one of the most successful colored women practitioners of the art of
massage and hair dressing in the State. She has, because of her thorough training,
succeeded in building up a practice in Bakersfield that has yielded her sufficient to
purchase a city block and also her home, which is modem in every detail and valued at
ten thousand dollars. This elegant home site is on a plot of land equal to one-fourth of
a city block. She also owns three city lots at Point Bichmond, California. Her hus-
band, Mr. Barrington Bnssel, is a first-class carpenter and came to California many
years ago from Austin, Texas. They are both well-respected and distinguished citizens
of the City of Bakersfield.
Mr. and Mrs. Winters own valuable property, including the Winters block, in
Bakersfield. He is the pioneer person of color in the State to conduct a good paying
business in and for the race without asking members of another race to invest their
money with him. He is considered the best business man in the race, possessing a keen
idea of the value of co-operation and has made a success. Mrs. Winters has a sketch
in the "Music" chapter. She is very popular.
Mrs. EUa Ardelle Butler, nee Clayton, the subject of this sketch, is a native of
Bichmond, Virginia. She came to California in 1893 to join her brothers, John and the
late James L. Clayton, to make her home in San Francisco. Entering the high school
of that city, she graduated in due season, subsequently taking a special course in sten-
ography before engaging in a business career which terminated in the numagement of
the insurance and loan office of her future husband, Mr. Walter A. Butler.
Miss Ella Ardelle Clayton was married to Mr. Walter A. Butler April 19, 1916.
The wedding was one of the most elaborate social functions oi) its kind ever held in
the Bay cities. It was solemnized in Oakland. The bride has, from her earliest arrival
in California, been recognized as a social favorite, and as the writer has often remarked,
"She wears well," for she is sincere and true to all who may enjoy her friendship, is
affable and agreeable to every one, and possesses a charming personality. The groom
has lived in Oa3cland for nearly forty years, and has always stood for everything that
244 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
had for its aim the elevation of the race. He had by care and saerifiee bnilt a most
beautiful home for his bride which stands second to none in that district, and has few
equals in the State. He did not marry until the home was built and furnished.
Miss Clayton, to show her appreciation of his forethought, said: ''Then 'Wrett-
acre' shall be my marriage altar." She married in the home or rather ''bride's nest"
prepared by sacrifice and love for her to preside over as "queen of the home."
Their wedding presents showed the popularity of both the bride and groom. They
received enough table silver to serve a meal for several persons without using any
china, fully a thousand dollars worth of silver alone, besides Oriental rugs, fine imported
china, and hand-painted pictures the work of celebrated artists. Mrs. Butler is very
much interested m the N. A. A. C. P., being actively engaged on the membership com-
mittee. Since her marriage she has entertained many distinguished visitors in her
palatial home.
Los Angeles, more than any other city in California, has many race women who
have won distinction in unsual lines. This is especially true of Mrs. Harriett Owens-
Bynum, who, together with her husband, Green Owens, and only son, John Wesley
Coleman, and wife, located in Los Angeles on November 28, 1887, coming from Austin,
Texas, where they owned a ranch of one hundred and sixty acres. The family having
owned valuable land, knew the value to the race of being a taxpayer, and immediately
purchased a twenty-five foot lot in the then new addition to Los Angeles which was
known as Boyle Heights. They at intervals added to their holdings until they finally
owned enough land to be given recognition by the real estate agent of the tract.
Mr. Owens followed expressing for a living, and his wife did day's work which
required her walking miles back and forth to Los Angeles, since the street cars did
not at that date extend to this suburb. After a year Mrs. Owens found that it was a
disadvantage for her to walk so long a distance and opened a hand laundry and later
a bakery, and finally a dairy. At different times she served as a sick nurse with some
of the leading white physicians of Los Angeles.
These different adventures brought her into close contact with many families of the
race, and she soon learned that few owned their own homes. Mrs. Owens consulted with
the real estate agent of the Boyle Heights tract, and he appointed her agent among her
people. This lady was anxious to see her people advance and made arrangements with
the agent that they pay her a commission out of the sale price of the property, that she
might sell and not add it to the original price. In this way the poor class of colored
laborers were given a square deal in the purchase of homes. Mrs. Owens-Bynum sold
over sixty -five houses and lots to colored families; some of these sold for thousands of
dollars. Out of this number two families lost their property. She also succeeded in
placing as renters in good property over a hundred families, and is still in the business.
She trained her son to sell real estate, and they together invested their money thus
earned in additional properties, building the "Coleman Flats" on Savannah street in
Boyle Heights. This is a modem structure for colored families.
Mrs. Owens-Bynum is one of the founders of the Second Baptist Church of Los
Angeles. She has been honored by having a sketch of her activities appear in many
race papers and magazines. The author found the following tribute to the lady in
The New Age Magazine: "She is a woman with great executive ability, a natural bom
financier and a good Christian worker of the old schooL A wonderful career has been
hers." In an issue of the Eagle of Los Angeles, under date of June 8, 1912, Mrs. Owens'
picture appeared on the front page of an anniversary issue, and the article concerning
this lady was headed ' ' Mrs. Owens an Impetus. Such characters who present the lasting
vitality, * the stem qualities of a clean-cut business woman as Mrs. Owens cannot be
overlooked, and certainly serve as an impetus for young persons who must tread the
same paths as their forefathers. * * * The vigorous enthusiasm that characterises
her every sentiment is distinguishing in effect. * * * May her example be an
impetus for those who must follow after herl "
Mrs. Louise Talbot-Toung, the subject of this sketch, came to California with her
parents from Chatham, Canada, where she had been educated. After locating in Los
Angeles she was given additional educational advantages, taking a business course at
Woodbury College; later she learned the trade as tailor and worked at the trade until
married to Mr. Louis Wilbum Toung.
After his death she went to B^ersfield where she was engaged in the tailoring busi-
ness for five years. Mrs. Toung then returned to Los Angeles where she was appointed
Deputy County Becorder for Los Angeles County, CaUfomia. She has held this position
with credit to the race for twelve years. Mrs. Young's effLeiency has proven a direct i
of opening another door of opportunity for other colored women of Los Angeles.
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CHAPTER XIX
Doctors and Dentists op the Race in Galifobnia
The State of California has not been blessed by many colored doctors until recent
jears. Daring the past ten years Los Angeles has had some ten or twelve doctors to
locate in the immediate city, after a period of over twenty-five years since the first
colored doctor located in that city, and nearly if not fifty years since the first one
located in San Francisco.
The first colored physician to locate in the State was Dr. W. J. O. Bryant, of San
Francisco, an herb doctor, who was highly respected and successful. He was a ''Trail
Blazer'' and came either in 1840 or the early fifties. Dr. Albert Bevitt, an herb doctor,
with offices at Stockton and Powell streets, San Francisco, came in 1852 The next one
to locate in the State was Dr. M. A. Majors, who came to Los Angeles in 1888. He was
a native of Austin, Texas, and a graduate from a large Negro Texas college. He
practiced in Los Angeles for a number of years and was very successfuL Later he
moved to Chicago.
Dr. Shadd, of Washington, D. C, was another physician who located in Los Angeles
and practiced there for seven years, when he was suddenly called by death. He dropped
dead at Santa Monica. He was followed by Dr. Melvin Sykes, who was a great success
for twenty or more years, when death called him. He left an immense fortune, a
widow and a host of friends to mourn his passing. About the same time the City of
Los Angeles was highly honored by having another well-educated colored doctor locate
there in the person of Dr. Taylor, and soon afterward Dr. Elmer Barr, from Chicago,
but whose parents were forty-niners; and then almost a native in the person of Dr.
Thomas Nelson, who was the first colored doctor educated at Stanford University of
California. ' ' He graduated and received the degree of M. D. from the Cooper Medical
School, in San Francisco, and during his last three years at that institution had the
high honor of being assistant to the professor in chemistry, giving instructions to the
daisses under him."
About five or more years ago Dr. Wilbur Clarence Gordon located in Los Angeles,
coming from Springfield, Ohio, where he had practiced for eight years. He has been
as successful in California as he was in the East. The foUovring year there were at
least seven or eight more colored doctors who located in California, and they are still
coming. All seem to settle at this one place, when there are such rich fields all through-
out the State for men in this profession, as well as in dental practice.
Dr. Pumell is the only colored doctor around the San Francisco Bay district. Only
very recently a; doctor has located in the San Joaquin Valley. Dr. Benjamin Young,
who, after graduating in pharmacy from the University of Southern California, went
East and studied medicine, graduated and returned home to Fowler, California, where
he has located with his bride. The writer is adding a few sketches that the reader may
form some idea as to the ability of the men practicing in California. The list could be
extended to twice the length.
Dr. John Outlaw is the son of James Madison and Sarah Frances Outlaw, of Wind-
sor, Bertie County, North Carolina. They were emancipated slaves and afterward
became the proprietors of a hotel for tourist trade and were very successful and highly-
respected citizens of that city. This was demonstrated when on May 2, 1885, their son
John S. was appointed by the Hon. J. E. O'Hara, member of Congress, from Enfield,
North Carolina, to represent that district as a cadet to West Point United States Mili-
tary Academy. Master John S. Outlaw had decided that he wished to study medicine
and declined the appointment. '
Dr. John S. Outlaw graduated from the Lincoln University, of Pennsylvania, in
1888, receiving the degree of A. B., and the added degree through his high scholarship
he made Cum Lauda. After graduating with such honors he immediately entered
Howard University, at Washington, D. C, where he studied medicine, graduating with
the class of 1891. It is such a rare occurrence to have a young appointee refuse to
accept an opportunity to become a cadet to West Point Military Academy that the
Government closely watched the educational progress made by young Outlaw. This
resulted in the Government's offering him, before he graduated from the medical
department of Howard University, the appointment as Mortality Statistician for the
Census Bureau with offices in Boston and New York. After finishing his service with
this appointment, he was given the appointment of Medical Examiner of Pensions in
the Penidon Department at Washington, D. C. This was the first time this appointment
*^ " Digitized by VJV^n^VlK^
246 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
had been filled hj a Negro physician. All these appointments were given to Dr. Oatlaw,
onsolieited, and speak well for the gentleman.
After ten years of service, he realized that he was not fnlfilling the great desire
of his life, to be an active physician and surgeon. He resigned his position in the
Pension Department and, together with his wife and baby, moved to Los Angeles,
California. He immediately began the practice of medicine in Los Angeles in 1901.^
Dr. Outlaw as a physician has been eminentlv successful. He has the confidence and
respect of all the races and the best citizens of Los Angeles and the State of CaUfomia.
He is the Dean of colored physicians in the State. He has kept abreast of the times
in medical research work. This has been made possible through his membership in
the Los Angeles County and the State Medicsd societies, also the American National
Assoeifition, together with the National Negro Medical, Dental and Pharmacist SocieUes
of America. He is not only a member of these different societies but takes an active
part in the proceedings, especially the clinics.
Dr. Outlaw married Miss Nannie Brown, a popular and beautiful reigning belle m
the society of Washington, D. G. The union has been blessed by the birth of two
children, a son and daughter. The son, Cornelius Harrington Outlaw, at the age
of sixteen, graduated from the Los Angeles High School, and in June, 1918, graduated
from the Williston Seminary at East Hampton, Mass., a preparatory school for entranee
to Harvard University. Dr. Outlaw's daughter, little Miss Frances, although young,
has already spent one year in the Los Angeles High School, and at the present is attend-
a school for girls in the east. She has been given the advantage of the study of
French, Italian, Spanish and the English languages. She promises to develop into a
good musician and has studied under Herr Thilo Becker. The writer has enjoyed the
pleasure of hearing this little miss play on the piano some dificult classical pieces and
was amazed at her technique, tone painting and phrasing, which, for a child, were most
remarkable.
Dr. and Mrs. Outlaw thoroughly enjoy their home life with their children. Mrs.
Outlaw is truly a ''queen of the home." Her ease and grace of manner in her beauti-
ful home with its rich furnishings reflect her personality and that of her husband by
the elegance of simplicity. Their residence is on West Thirtieth street in the most
exclusive and beautiful residence district of Los Angeles, and yet their love for their
children and their advancement is the supreme effort of Dr. and Mrs. Outlaw. Dr.
Outlaw's success has been very great and he has made some very good and paying
investments, and yet is unassuming and modest in his everyday manner. He is gracious
and kind to every one with whom he comes in contact.
Dr. Alva C. Qarrott was bom in the little town of Marion, Alabama. His early
school-life was spent in that town, but he graduated from the Normal department of
Talladega College, at Talladega, Alabama. Immediately after graduation he went to
Texas, where he taught school until 1890, and then, through Civil Service, he was
appointed to a clerkship in the United States Pension Bureau at Washington, D. C.
It was while working here that the subject of this sketch entered Howard Uni-
versity, first graduating from the Pharmaceutical Department in 1892, and then from
the Dental Department in 1899. In 1901 Dr. Gkurott resigned from the Government
Service and came to Los Angeles, California, to practice dentistry. The field was new
and uncertain and the difficulties numerous. By applying himself studiously to the task
before him and giving efficient and painstaking service, the Doctor has built up a
practice of which any one might be proud. He has identifiedB himself with the social
and financial uplift of the community and made himself felt among those with whom
he has been associated. He has three children, two boys and one girl. The oldest boy,
Alva C. Garrott (Junior), is now serving with the National Army in France. Miriam
de J. will graduate in social science at the Fisk University. Bobert W. is now in the
Students' Training Camp at Fisk University.
Dr. Wilbur Clarence Gordon, the subject of this sketch, was born in Ironton, Ohio,
May 9, 1880; graduated from the Medical Department of Howard University, Wash-
ington, D. C, May, 1904; admitted to practice medicine after an examination in Ohio,
July, 1904. He located at Springfield, Ohio, where he successfully practiced from
November, 1904, until July, 1912, at which time he moved to California. After passing
the State medical examination held in San Francisco, August, 1912, he was admitted to
practice in September of the same year. He then located in Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Wilbur C. Gordon immediately identified himself with the activities of the race
in the City of the Angeles. He was instrumental in organizing the Ohio State Social
Society and the Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists' Association for Southern California.
He was elected as special delegate to attend the National Doctors, Dentists and Phar-
macists' Association in their National Convention, which was held at Baleigh^ North
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OF CALIFORNIA 247
Carolina, in 1914. He was inatraeted on behalf of the Mayor of Los Angeles and the
Doctors, Dentists and Pharmacists' Association of Los Angeles and Southern Oali-
nia, to extend to that body an invitation to hold their next annual meeting in Los
Angeles, California. He was unsuccessful in securing the convention, as Chicago was
selected.
Dr. Gordon is a distinguished member of the National Doctors, Dentists and
Pharmacists' Association, having frequently appeared on their programs. He was
elected as a member of the executive board at the 1916 meeting, which was held in
Kansas City, Mo. Since locating in Los Angeles he has purchased a centrally-located
double comer lot, upon which he has erected a handsome residence and suite of modem
offices. During the past year he has added three more rooms for electrical treatments,
Dr, Wilbur Clarence Gordon is quite musical and for a long time was the chorister
of the Second Baptist Church of Los Angeles. He readily entered the musical activities
of the community. He has trained several large chomses, the most notable of which
was the one consisting of one hundred voices which rendered "Hiawatha's Wedding
Feast," a musical event of 1916, which was rendered in tiie Trinity Auditorium. This
is considered one of the most beautiful auditoriums in all of Los Angeles.
In less than one year after Dr. and Mrs. Gordon moved to Los Angeles, his father
and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J. Calvin Gordon, sold their farm in Ohio and joined him
in Los Angeles. His mother is a wonderful Spanish scholar and his father a successful
mechanic. Becently the Doctor has purchased a ranch of one hundred and thirty acres
at Elsinore, California, and his father and mother will operate the same for him.
Dr. Gordon married in November, 1914, Miss Desdemona L. Valeteen, of Providence,
Bhode Island. She is a graduate of Howard University, Washington, D. C, an ideal
physician's wife, and, with her charming, winsome ways, has meant very much in
shaping his success as a doctor.
Dr. Joseph W. Ball was bom in a log cabin in St. Charles County, Missouri, having
lost both parents when quite young. He was cared for in the home of his grandfather,
Henson Scott. Joseph had the privilege of attending the rural school which, at that
time, was open only three months during the year. At the age of thirteen the death of
his grandfather compelled him to take the responsibility of the farm in order to earn a
livelihood for the fiddly. While thus engaged he never lost an opportunity to study at
odd hours, cultivating the acquaintance of those better educated than himself that he
might be assisted by them.
Believing that the city offered better opportunities for advancement, Joseph moved
from the farm to St Xouis, Missouri, securing employment as porter in a barber shop,
where, on account of faithfulness to his duties, he gained a friend who aided him in
obtaining a much better-paying porition in Albuquerque, New Mexico. How he raised
the railroad fare to that city is indeed a most interesting story, showing persistent
effort, in an attempt to better his condition.
Four years later, having saved enough money to buy a home and to make the
necessary trips, he returned to St. Louis, and married Miss Alice Frances, a young
woman well-beloved by all who knew her. Of this union the 8t. LauU Post Di^tch,
one of the leading daily papers of that city, spoke in the highest terms. With his bride
Joseph Ball returned to Albuquerque to their new home. This arrival being very differ-
ent in every respect from the first, when, without money to pay for a room, he was per-
mitted to sleep in the shop where he worked until he had earned enough to go else-
where. His thrift from then on showed plainly that his determination to succeed was
not in vain, and he proved the truth of the motto: "Where there is a Will there is a
Way."
Still ambitious to advance beyond his present surroundings, in a short time from
his wages of $10 per week they (Mrs. Ball becoming a helpmeet in deed as well as in
words) saved $3,000 which, upon advice of friends, was invested in stock, with which
they opened a first-class shoe store. Competition and lack of business training caused
the store to be non-supporting, and it was sold. It had been opened to give employ-
ment to two Negro boot and shoe-makers who had been unable to find employment.
After selling the shoe store Mr. Joseph Ball gave work to the two above-mentioned
men in a boot and shoe-shining parlor where he employed sometimes as high as six
men. This parlor was the only first-class one of its kind in the State. Citizens, looking
on, gained confidence in the man seeking to help himself by helping others and showed
their appreciation of his efforts by nominating and electing him on the Bepubliean
Ticket for County Water Commissioner, in the fall of 1898. He ran ahead of his ticket
a thousand votes.
While still in business in Albuquerque, he helped found the A. M. E. Church and
was also a Thirty-second degree Mason and a Shriner. Having a Uttle experience in
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248 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
the business world, and longing for further adventure, his next step led him to Chieago,
where he studied and received practical training in the profession of ehiropodist, under
a well-known chiropodist. Completing his coarse, Dr. Bill returned to Albuquerque and
opened a first-class parlor for the practice of this art.
The failing health of his wife caused him to close and move to Calif omia, where
he soon found employment at Hamburger's, the largest department store in the city of
Los Angeles. He filled the position as head of the department devoted to chiropody for
eight years, when he again decided to go into business for himself. He opened a fine
parlor where his work requires the services of two other doctors and a lady assistant.
Through careful investment, Dr. Ball has accumulated good properties among which
are flats at Cimarron and New Orleans streets and his comfortable residence at Budlong
and Twenty-fourth streets, a beautiful and exclusive residence section of Los Angeles.
Dr. and Mrs. Ball have the respect of the community in which they live, and enjoy a
host of friends and acquaintances. They represent a type of the American citizen
whose thrift should be an inspiration to others. They have been willing to lift as they
climbed. Dr. Ball and his wife are members of the Second Church of Christian Science,
located on West Adams street, Los Angeles.
Dr. Leonard Stovall, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Atlanta, Qeorgia, coming
to Los Angeles with his parents when quite young. He was educated in the public
schools of this city, having attended the Casco street school and the Los Feliz school of
East Hollywood. He graduated in the pioneer class of the Hollywood High School in
the class of 1906.
Dr. Stovall comes from a large and highly-respected family. Because of its size,
it was necessary that those wishing a higher education than that of the public schoola,
would have to earn their way. This Leonard Stovall was perfectly willing to do. He
did truck gardening and, at the same time, studied something about scientific gardening.
Li this way he earned the money to pursue a course in literary and scientific work for
two years in the University of Southern CaUf omia.
He afterwards decided to study medicine and save his money and entered the
University of California, graduating with the doss of 1912, as a physician and surgeon.
One of the Los Angeles race papers, in speaking of him, said: ''In 1908 Dr. Leonard
Stovall entered the Medici^ College where his four years have won him the credit of
being one of the most conscientious and able students of his class. * * * No physi-
cian could launch upon his professional career with greater promise of high success, nor
with more of the confidence and kindly good will of the community."
Dr. Stovall, after graduating as a physician, was appointed ''visiting surgeon,
Selwyn Emmett Graves Dispensary, University of Southern California; attending
physician, Municipal Child Welfare Station, 1914; grand medical examiner, U. B. F. of
California; physician for Foresters, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias; president, Georgia
State Society; corresponding secretary. State Societies of Southern Cidifomia; Bepubli-
can; Methodist; member American Medical Association; California State Medical Asso-
ciation; Los Angeles County Medical Association; Southern California Physicians,
Dentists and Pharmacists' Association." Dr. Leonard Stovall entered the Separate
Officers' Training Camp and graduated as First Lieutenant. He served with the
National Army in France as a member of the Medical Reserve Corps, 365th Infantry.
His friends anxiously await his return to Los Angeles and his fast-growing practiee.
The writer is especially proud of this sketch, as it was sent from the battle ground
of France. "Dr. Claudius Ballard was bom in Los Angeles, June, 1889. His parents
were William L. Ballard, a native of Los Angeles, and Mary E. Ballard, who was one
of the Tibbs family of Xenia, Ohio. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated
in the Los Angeles public schools; graduated from the Los Angeles High School, after
which he attended the University of Southern California (Los Angeles), studied medicine
at the University of California (Berkeley) and graduated with the class of 1913. Took
the State Board medical examination and practiced medicine in Los Angeles for four
years. Dr. Ballard has won the Croix de Guerre, while fighting in France with the
National Army. Notwithstanding his fast-growing practice, when the United States
Government called for doctors to serve in the army. Dr. Balliuii volunteered his services
and received a commission as First Lieutenant Medical Reserve Corps, August, 1917.
He was among the first colored doctors to go to France." Dr. Ballard then adds in his
letter: "I hope our efforts and sacrifices will mean something to our country and my
race. I realize that the people are looking forward to many things from the old 8th
Illinois, now 370th Lifantry, and I can say they are making good in the great World
War for Democracy."
Dr. William H. Browning, the subject of this sketch, was bora September 11, 1888,
in Brenham, Texas; educated in the public schools and Wiley University; seenred pro-
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^i^
OP CALIFORNIA 249
fessionAl education at Meharry Medical Ck>llege, Nashyille, Tenn.; graduated 1916. He
is the son of William and Fannj Browning, and practiced in his home town of Brenham,
TexaSy previous to locating in Los Angeles. He took the California State Board medical
examination December 9, 1915, receiving a high percentage, and was licensed to practice
dentistry. He has been very successful in a city crowded with men in the same pro-
fession.
Dr. Browning is socially popular, and is a member of the Knights of Pythias, For-
esters, N. A. A. G. P. and vice-president of the Colored Doctors, Dentists and Pharma-
eits' Association of Southern California. He was commissioned by the President o^
the United States as First Lieutenant in the Dental Beserve Corps September 4, 1917,
and was officially signed October 12, 1917. After receiving his signed commission, he
rendered dental service to Negro-drafted boys as they were called! to the colors from
Los Angeles.
Dr. John Alexander Somerville was bom in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies. He is
the son of Bev. Thomas Gustavius Somerville, an Episcopalian priest of that place. His
son, the subject of this sketch, was reared and educated in Jamaica, West Indies, hav-
ing graduated from Mice College. He came to California in 1902, and was the first
colored man to enter the Dental College of the University of Southern California. He
graduated with the class of 1917, receiving the degree of D. D. S. He made an especially
high average when appearing before the State' Board for examination. He then imme-
diately began the practice of his profession in Los Angeles.
Dr. John Alexander Somerville has built up a good practice and has made many
substantial friends. He is active in many movements for the good of the race. He was
one of the founders and an officer in the Physicians, Dentists and Pharmacists' Asso-
ation for Southern California. He was at one time president of the People's Bealty
Company, an organization of colored gentlemen. He has held for two terms the office
of vice president of the Los Angeles branch of the National Association for the Advance-
ment of Colored People. He is happily married and owns much valuable property. He
and his wife are valued and much Uked citizens of Los Angeles, California.
Dr. Vada Jetmore Somerville, the subject of this sketch, is the daughter of Mrs.
Dora McDonald. She was reared and educated in the public schools of Los Angeles.
After her graduation from the high school she won a Los Angeles Times Scholarship
and entered the University of Southern California.
After leaving the University, she accepted a position at the "Hershey Arms" as
telephone operator. Her employer soon recognized her ability and offered her the
position of bookkeei>er for the hotel. This high position of trust and responsibility can
be better appreciated by the reader when told that the ''Hershey Ands" is one of the
most elegantly furnished and exclusive family hotels in Southern California. It is
located in beautiful Wilshire Boulevard, right off West Lake Park. Miss Vada Watson
held the position of bookkeeper and practically acted as assistant manager of this beauti-
ful hostelry for the rich for six years, when she decided to marry Dr. J. A. Somerville.
Her marriage was one of the greatest social events ever held in Los Angeles. It
was beautiful and lavish. The ceremony was performed in the Wesley Chapel, of Los
Angeles; because Dr. Somerville 's father is an Episcopalian priest, there were two
ceremonies. The High Church Episcopalian ceremony was performed by Father Cleghom,
of St. Phillips Episcopalian Mission, of Los Angeles, after which the bride's pastor,
Bev. Kinchen, performed the A. M. E. Church ceremony. A reception was held in the
parlors of the church, after which the couple repaired to their home, a modem bungalow,
built by Dr. Somerville for his bride on West Tiiirty-seventh street, Los Angeles. It had
been elegantly furnished with wedding presents, the largest and most expensive coming
from the bride's former employer. Miss Helen Mathewson, who gave a solid mahogany
bedroom set. It was estimated that their presents amounted easily to twelve hundred
dollars.
After a few years' practice with offices in the downtown district, the Doctor decided
to build an office and residence on the "East Side." He built on the comer of Eigh-
teenth and San Pedro streets a suite of offices and an old Colonial residence adjoining.
It was after this that his wife decided to take up the study of dentistry. She has the
distinction of being the first colored woman west of the Mississippi river to master the
science of dentistry.
After attending the Dental College of the University of Southern California for
three years, she graduated in a class of eighty-eight in June, 1918. She was the only
woman and N^^o in the class. Dr. Vada Watson-Somerville at the State examination
made a record for efficiency. Fifteen of the class failed to pass. Dr. J. A. Alexander
Somerville gave his wife, as a graduation gift, a complete office outfit of the most
modem type. She is fast building a practice. She practices all the branches of dentistry.
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250 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
She is socially populiur and most happily married. Miss Louise Wilson, a nieee of
Doctor John Somerville, has come from Jamaica, West Indies, to finish her educatioii
in this country. She is at present learning to become a dentist's assistant to Dr. Vada
Somerville. Would that the race had more such progressive and creditable citiiena as
Dr. J. A. and Dr. V. W. Somervillel
Dr. Fletcher, the subject of this sketch, came to California from the Island of Saint
Ohristopher, Danish West Indies, arriving in San Francisco in 1860. He joined the
United States Navy and served until 1865, when he returned to San Francisco, fie
practiced the art of chiropody for three years in the Ham am Baths of San iVaneiseo,
when he decided to go to Sacramento. He has lived in that town and succes^hill/'
practiced the art of chiropody for over forty years. He has the distinction of bein^ a
member of the National Association of Chiropodists for a number of years. He la an
active member of the A. M. E. Church and is happily married to Miss Madah Hyer, the
distinguished vocalist, whose brilliant career will be found in the music chapter.
Dr. Bodgers, a chiropodist, located at Yallejo, coming to California in 1863, is a
native of the West Indies and had followed the sea for years having been connected
with the Navy. He learned his profession at his home in the West Indies, where the
public schools teach both the trades and professions.
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CHAPTER XX
Literary Department
In introducing to the reader this department, it is with the object of giving a
small estimate of the literary ability of the pioneer and present day Negro of Calif omia.
The greatest literary work done by the Negro is through his weekly papers. Hence the
writer has deemed it correct that this chapter begin with a short review of the editors
of race papers and special feature writers on white papers.
The reader's attention is called to the pioneer enters of papers published in San
Francisco. Iliese men you will note were internationally known. In view of the
splendid services they rendered the race in Oalifomia, it is quite evident that the
Negro people could not have done so much for the good of the^ race, nor would they
have attempted such great tasks, had they not been confident of the support afforded
them through their race journals. The reader's attention is also called to the splendid
eoUection of i>oems by pioneer writers. These poems were published on slips of paper
and sold to raise funds to fight adverse legislation. The writer has the original copies
in her possession, they having been given to her many years ago by pioneer Negro
people for their reproduction in this book.
The poem by Mrs. PrisciUa Stewart was written shortly after the passage of a bill
demanding that all Free Negroes leave the State, at which time the Governor or Buler of
British Columbia sent his Harbor Master to San Francisco to extend an invitation to
the Negro people to come to Canada and make their home. The writer of this poem
recognized the call as coming from Queen Victoria, who has been quoted as saying that
she would not be crowned with slavery in her crown.
The i>oem by William J. Wilson was written during the fight made by the Negro
people for the ''Bight of Testimony." The poem by Miss Cecelia Williams was written
and read at the Fourth Anniversary of the Fifteenth Amendment to the Constitution
of the United States. This lady was a great reader, Shakespearean actor and writer.
"Forget-Me-Not" was written by Professor Edward Caine, who was a brother of
Bishop Caine, and a great philosopher and lecturer, delivering many lectures for the
encouragement of the race. He used the argument in all of his lectures that ''God
made of one blood all men of the earth." The reader's attention is especially called
to a collection of short poems, beginning with "Crispus Attucks," "My Razor," and
others. These poems, signed "Jeams," are from the pen of Captain Ferguson of the
Brannan Guards. They are taken from an unpublished collection, of his writings and
were given to the writer for this book by his wife. The poems just listed constitute the
pioneer contribution. There are many others in the book from present-day Negroes
which are worthy of any race.
This brings us to the Pacific Coast Negro Newspaper Editors, Writers and Pub-
lishers, both pioneer and present-day. In pioneer days the Negro press in California
was highly respected by the opposite race and much valued by the Negro race. The
Negro press championed the race in all its severe fights for the privilege to live in
CaUfomia.
The first Negro paper published in California was the Mirror of the Times, which
was published in 1855, at San Francisco, California. Hon. Mifflin W. Gibbs and Mr.
James Townsend were owners and publishers. It was published for seven years, when
it was merged with the Pacific Appeal, The editor of the Afro-American Press, in
speaking of this paper, said: **The Mirror of the Times did much good work which
eannot be denied by any one. * * * It nobly defended the race and fought for
the common cause of Abolition until 1862. • • * The Times did excellent work
and the Afro-American of today feels proud of its efforts.
"The next Negro paper published in CaUfomia was the Pacific Appeal, which was
established at San Francisco in 1862. The Pacific Appeal is independent in thought
and in action. Its columns are open to all parties for logical discussion of every ques-
tion pertaining to the welfare and progress of the people without regard to race, color
or condition. With these characteristics, viz., its political attitude, extensive influence
and wide circulation, it was regarded by the intelligent of all classes as the most
desirable and readable newspaper over published by Afro-Americans. As was the
practice of every Afro- American journal, the Pacific Appeal had a motto: 'He who
would be free, himself must strike the blow,' which it adhered to as best it could under
existing circumstances." Thus it will be seen what was the vital principle underlying
the contest this paper intended to make, in view of what was a common fight through
the paper, that of Abolition or freedom to the enslaved. Digitized by kjkjk^jx^^
252 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Mr. Peter Anderson was the able editor for years and was untiring in his fight for
the race, both through the columns of his paper and by attending every meeting of
interest to the race. ''He was assisted in the editing and publishing the paper by a
Mr. William A. Carter. It was because of this paper that Mr. Phillip A. Bell left for
the Pacific Coast to become its associate editor.
"During Mr. Bell's connection with the paper, he exercised his joomalistie zeal
for which he was so well and favorably known, and in this, as a matter of fact, di^
his part in enabling it to stand. It was a sprightly-looking sheet, a six-column folio
and attractively printed. Its editorials were of a solid and sound character, whidi
always indicated the power and makeup of the paper."
Mr. Phillip A. Bell served as associate editor of the Fadfic Appeal until April 18,
1865, when he began the publication in San Francisco of The Elevator. This paper whs
the organ of the executive committee of the Colored Convention of California. The
Afro-American Press, in speaking of it, said: ''Mr. BeU, having had up to this time
twenty-five years of experience ior editorial woik, of course, started the Elevator without
any trouble either as a finished product or business enterprise. It was neatly printed,
of four pages, with seven columns to a page. Its motto was 'Equality before the Law.'
While an earnest and efficient writer himself, he had an able corresponding editor in
the person of William J. Powers. His publishing committee consisted of William H.
Tates, James B. Starkey, B. A. Hall, J. P. Dyer and F. G. Barbadoes.
"The life of Mr. Phillip A. Bell is one full of interest and sacrifice. Previous to
coming to California he published the second Negro paper in* America. The first one
was Freedom's Journal, published in New York City by a Mr. Busswurm, making its
appearance March 30, 1827. The owners of Freedom's Journal and the Bights of AU
were supposed to have been the same person. Bev. Cornish was the associate editor in
the publication of Freedom's Journal, which was changed to Bights of AU March 21,
1S28. The Bights of All suspended publication in 1830, it having been conducted under
more opposing circumstances than Freedom's Journal, owing, possibly, to the great
amount of good it was doing for Abolition. Mr. Busswurm 's career as an Afro- Ameri-
can journalist was soon cut short after the suspension of the paper. He was captured
by the Colonization Society and sent to Africa.
"Afro- Americans, north and south, began to feel the need of an exponent of senti-
ment and thought. The road had been opened, if any one by dint of sacrifice and
strength of effort, would lay all on the altar in the publication of another joumaL
Phillip A. Bell, the Nestor of Afro-American journalism, came forward and put upon the
uncertain wings of journalistic time a paper which battled with unrelentless vigor for
the right. In January, 1837, appeared the first issue of the second journal edited by
Afro-Americans under the name of the Weekly Advocate. The editor was Bev. Samud
£. Cornish, and the proprietor Mr. Phillip A. Bell. It was published by Mr. Bobert
Beers, of Toronto, Canada, a warm friend of the race. » • » Aftei* two months it
changed its name to Colored American, The money to aid in its publication was
largely contributed by anti-slavery advocates. The proprietor, Mr. Bell, was known and
respected for the work he did for the race in the newspaper field. He was one of those
men who not only gave his literary ability to the cause, but his money also. * • •
He longed to see Afro-American journalism a fixed thing in this country and he did
not die without the sight."
A description of Mr. Bell has been given in "The Bising Bun," a book by William
Wells-Brown, who said: "He is medium in size, dark complexion, pleasing counten-
ance and very gentlemanly in his manners. Mr. BeU resigned from the Colored American
in 1839 and later went to California. Mr. Bell had served in the school of experience
before coming to Calif omia. He knew what it meant to sacrifice, and yet he came with
no intention of shirking his duty to his race. He was well educated to that extent that
previous to his identifying himself with any of the race papers he contributed to the
daily white papers of San Francisco. He was a dramatic critic, and, during his time,
criticized Keene, McBeady, Forrest and others."
The Afro-American Press, in speaking of Mr. Bell and the publication of the
Elevator, said: "Mr. Bell was often in very straitened circumstances, but he managed
to continue the publication of the journal. It was always readable." The writer has
seen many copies of the paper, which have been a source of great help in many depart-
ments of this book, and often regretted that more of our present-day journals were not
as carefully edited.
Unfortunately Mr. Bell died April 24, 1889, in destitute circumstances. He sacrificed
both time and money for the best interests of the race. He was a real "Trail Blaier"
and the first Negro to write for white dsdly papers in California. At his passing the
press throughout the land paid him the highest tribute. '^f^n^^^^i^|jE|gfi^O[^ermitted
•OP CALIFORNIA 253
giTing extxaets from alL The following is quoted from the Oate City Press of Kansas
City, Missouri: ''Phillip A. Bell, the octogenarian joumalisty is dead. In his death
the Negro raee loses the oldest and one of the ablest of American editors. I^ty-two
years ago in New York, he flung to the breeze, as a menace to the slave owners and
slave hunters, The Colored American. A quarter of a century ago he moved to San
Francibco, where the Pacific Appeal was started in 1862. Mr. Bell launched The
Elevator, a spicy, weekly, which continues to this day, the oldest secular Negro news-
paper. Eklucatedy original, capable of fine powers of analysis, he flung the sparkling
rays of his imagination over the production of his pen and came to be regarded as the
Napoleon of the colored press. Por some years he has been too feeble to engage In
newspaper work. Wednesday, April 24, at the age of eighty-one years, his spirit fled
to his Maker. He died in the poor house. And this is the end of a great historic
eharacter."
The New York Age paid him a fine tribute. It said: ''Phillip A. BeU has dosed his
eyes in death. * * * To all New Yorkers the fact opens a history of the past that
is not only interesting but profitable to consider. It brings up previous memories; it
recalls to mind when New York Oity would call hei' roll of fifty and more men, big-
hearted, self-sacrificing men, who publicly distinguished themselves and served the
cause of the race, not selfishly, but for justice's sake; men upon whom each other could
safely rely; sensible, considerate men, stirring energetic men, who were not simply
active in efforts to free and enfranchise their brethem in bonds, but who were actively
interested to forward the cause of morality generally, of education, of refinement and
of the general weaL They were men of influence and inflexible character when principle
was at stake. » • »
"To be restless and aggressive is the lesson hia life presents to the individuals of
today, to those who have the manliness to feel that their talents, character and citizen-
ship are not properly respected. He was taU and prepossessing in appearance and man-
ners. He had a fine address, was quick, impulsive and brave, with a keen sensibility as
to honor, and those other amenities that mark a gentleman and refined society. He was
open-hearted and genuine."
The writer has in hev possession a copy of the Elevator which was supposed to be
an extra, and published under date of July 4, 1865. It is about seven inches long and
less than ten wide. It contains the program for a procession and order of the exercises
of a Fourth of July celebration, and the part of the parade in which the colored citizens
would take part, together with the order of the exercises in the church afterwards.
When we compare the large amount of advertisements contained in the program sheets
for such purposes at this date, and the amount of money derived from their publication,
one can rea^y understand how Mr. Bell went into bankruptcy through his devotion to
the race. This program was delivered to the subscribers by him personally at four
o'clock the morning of the parade. He may have died in the poorhouse, but all who
knew him say that he left a priceless memory filled with rich inspirations for future
generations of Negro men and women to be genuinely true to the race.
"In the early Eighties the Elevator passed into the hands of Mr. James "Wilson and
Mr. William Blake, two staunch race-loving men. Their sketches will be found in the
biographical section of the book. While under their leadership the Elevator was pub-
lished at 622 Clay street, Ban Francisco, and was a much larger sheet. During the
Eighties there was another paper published in San Francisco by a Mr. Bobert Brown.
It was called The Vindicator. Mr. Brown was the descendant of a Forty-niner, and a
personal friend of the Honorable MiflBin Gibbs. The Sentinel was edited by Mr. A. A.
Collins at 1020 Powell street. Later a Mr. B« C. O. Benjamin became its owner and
editor. He had edited and owned several newspapers in the east for the uplift of and
defense of the race. Mr. Benjamin first located in Los Angeles, where he was employed
as city editor of the Los Angeles Daily Sun, the first Negro in the United States, so far
as we know, to hold so prominent a position on a white paper. Mr. Benjamin was
widely known to the newspaper fraternity by the non de plume of 'Cicero.' As a news-
paperman, Mr. Benjamin has been a marked success. He is fearless in his editorials,
and the fact that he is a Negro does not lead him to withhold hia opinion upon the
live issues of the day; but to give them in a courageous manner. His motto is: 'My
race first, and my best friend next.' " (Extract from Fair Play, Meridian, MississippL)
Two Negro newspaper-writers of the present day^ whose sketches the writer con-
siders it a privilege to give to the reader, are the internationally-known Mr. and Mrs.
Noah I). Thompson, of Los Angeles. They can be called pioneer, recognized writers for
white daily papers. They have established themselves in the literary world and opened
a door for other members of the race.
Digitized by \^KJK.}\lls^
254 THE NEGEO TRAIL BLAZERS
Noah D. Thompflon is on the editorial staif of the Evening Bxpress and Marmmff
Tribwte of Los Angeles, California. He is a special writer, featuring the beet interests
of the Negro race. He is a keen observer, never allowing an opi>ortmiit7 to esei^
whereby he can serve his people. Mr. Thompson's training and experience previous to
coming to California well fitted him for his new position in the literary world, as the
following will show: "Noah D. Thompson was bom at Baltimore, Maryland, June 9,
1878, son of William P. and Sarah (Wood) Thompson; educated in the public schools of
Baltimore; took course in Gregg's Business CoUege, Chicago, HL; married Lillian B.
Murphy, daughter of editor John H. Murphy, owner of the Afro-American of Baltimore,
November 6, 1901. His first wife died March 31, 1905, and he waH married to Eloise A.
Bibb, of New Orleans, La., August 4, 1911. One child, Noah Murphy Thompson.
"For nearly twenty years Mr. Thompson was engaged in the money department of
the United States Express Company of Chicago, Illinois From 1909 to 1911 associated
with the Booker T. Washington educational institution at Tuskegee, Alabama. Later
moved to Los Angeles and engaged in the real estate business, handling mostly personal
property, and was associate e£tor of The lAberatar of Los Angeles from 1912 to 1913.
Was offered the position of sergeant-at-arms of the Paris, Frwiee, Exposition in 1900.
Member of the advisory council appointed by the Governor of Illinois for the National
Half -Century Anniversary of Negro Freedom, Chicago, Illinois, 1915. Member of the
Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Soldier's and Sailors' Welfare Commission,
also appointed by the United States Government as a 'Four-Minute Man' for the dura-
tion of the war."
It is a rare instance in the literary world when both the husband and wife are a
success in letters. The lives of Mr. and Mrs. Noah D. Thompson appeal to the writer
with the same standard as that of Bobert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. If the
reader will but recall the lives of these writers, it will be remembered that they were
intensely in love with each other; and yet equally as much in love with their work in
the literary world. Mr. and Mrs. Noah D. Thompson have a happy home life and are
very much a success in the field of letters.
Mrs. Thompson is known best by her first name, Eloise Bibb-Thompson. For many
years she has h^en special feature writer for the Sunday issue of the Los Angeles
Tribune, Morning Sun of Los Angeles, and a contributor to the popular magazines,
Out West and the Tidings, The 1^ named is the official organ of the Diocese of
Monterey and Los Angeles. Among her notable contributions to The Tidings was an
article, "The Church and the Negro," and a beautiful, inspiring poem, entitled ''A
Garland of Prayer," which appeared in the November issue of 1917 and which, with
Mrs. Thompson's permission, appears in the Literary department of this book.
Mrs. Eloise Bibb-Thompson and her husband are both Catholic; recently she
addressed the Catholic Women's Clubs of Los Angeles in the Knights of Columbus haU.
The daily papers, in commenting on her appearance, spoke of her as a "distinguished
speaker," and, while her subject was an appeal for her race, in all the different daily
papers her address was spoken of in the highest terms without the constant addition, as
18 often the case "as a colored woman." Too often a colored speaker before a white
audience has had his subject overshadowed by the constant reference to the speaker's
race. They wrote her up in a truly democratic fashion. The address did much good for
the NegrQ race.
While Mrs. Eloise Bibb-Thompson is identified with the literary life of Los Angeles,
she is not a Californian. But, as with her husband, her education and years of experi-
ence have splendidly fitted her for thei position she now fills with honor to the race, as
the following sketch will show: "Mrs. Eloise Bibb-Thompson, writer, bom at New
Orleans, La., daughter of Charles H. and Adel Bibb; father was inspector of United
States Customs about forty years; graduated New Orleans University; student at Ober-
lin College, in Ohio; graduated from the Teachers' College, Howard University, Wash-
ington, D. C; took special course in New York School of Philanthropy; head resident of
the Social Settlement House of Howard University, Washingrton, D. C, from 1908 to
'11; married Noah D. Thompson in Chicago, Illinois, August, 1911. Permanent addrMS
1711 East Fifty-fifth street, Los Angeles."
The following additional history has been made by Mr. and Mrs. Noah D. Thomp-
son since the completion of their sketches: Mr. Noah Thompson has been appointed
member of the official staff of the Soldiers and Sailors' Welfare Commission of Los
Angeles, California; chairman of the National Colored Soldiers' Comfort Committee;
member of the War Department's Special Committee of One Hundred Speakers; mem-
ber of the editorial staff of the Los Angeles Evening Express, and frequent contributor
to the Los Angeles Times and other periodicals. Mr. Thompson is a devout Catholic,
who prays that his race will never lose its religious fervor.
Digitized by ^^JKJKJWIK.
OF CALIFORNIA
254A
REV. WM. T. CLEGHORN
Rector of St. Phillips Episcopal Church,
Los Angeles.
FATHER DAVID R. WALLACE
Rector of St. A nimustine Episcopal
Church of Oakland.
HON. NOAH D. THOMPSON
Associated Editor on the Daily Express
and Tribune of Los Angeles.
REV. N. P. GREGGS
Pastor of The, People's Independent
Church of ChMkt, of Los Angeles.
254B
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
KEV. CHARLES PRICK JONES
Overseer of the Churches of Christ.
Digitized by
Google
OF CALIFORNIA 255
Beeognizing Mr. Thompson's ability and integrity, Ck>ngre88man H. Z. Osborne
nominated him to succeed the late James Curtis as United States Minister to Liberia.
The nomination was endorsed by Senator Hiram Johnson and many others prominent
in the affairs of the State and Nation.
As a "Four-Minute Man," in all his talks to his race, Mr. Thompson urges prepar-
ation in order that they may be ready to take advantage of present-day opportunities
and still more opportunities that will come to them and all others that live in this pro-
gressive age and country.
When addressing white audiences, Mr. Thompson pleads for more encouragement
to their colored employees by promoting them according to their merits. He especially
urges that colored boys and girls, when not attending school, be given employment in
office, shop and factory much in the same way that white boys and girls are given
employment, and at the same time an opportunity to learn the business of the employer
from the bottom up.
Mrs. Thompson is a staunch Catholic and deeply interested in the seven million or
more of her race who possess no religion. Knowing the immeasurable benefit of Catholic
training, she is very anxious to see this unfortunate group enter the bosom 6f the
church, for she believes that, as she says: "Ton do not arouse the lethargic energies
of a people seeking a newness of life by implanting information to the mind, or ddll
to the fingers, but by quickening of the spirit. Beligion is absolutely essential, either
as a solvent or as a salve."
The present-day persons of color in the southern part of the State have produced
some wonderful race papers. Of these the reader's attention is called to the one pub-
lished by the late Honorable J. L. Edmonds, who was the editor of the Liheratar, a
paper whose editorials were of great value in moulding sentiment for the race many
years before the coming of the! N. A. A. C. P. Mr. j^monds has a most interesting
sketch in this chapter. The next person to edit and publish a race paper in Los
Angeles was Mr. J. Neimore, who came to CaJifomia from Texas about twenty-five
years ago and established the Eagle. Since his passing, a Miss Charlbtta Spear^ coming
from Providence, B. I., has taken charge of the paper and has, by earnest and sincere
work, succeeded in building up a first-class paper. After she had thoroughly establidied
the paper on a paying basis, she enlarged the sheet, and about this time decided to
marry. Miss Spears was such a perfect success and a great incentive for others to try
and advance in the world, the public was fearful that she would retire from the
editorial part of this great and most reliable race paper; but the lady has proven that
she did not decide to take a life partner into the businesa without knowing that he,
too, had been fearless and true to the race as an experienced newspaper e£tor. She
married Mr. Joseph B. Bass. The writer is proud of the friendship of this lac^, for
she has encouraged her in the writing of this book by accepting articles from her pen
for publication hi her great paper.
Mr. Joseph B. Bass was prominent in public life in Kansas, teaching school until
1895. With Will Pope he established the Topelea Call In 1898 he sold the same to
Kick Chiles, who renamed it The Plamdedler. Went to Helena, Montana, in 1906, and
established Montana Plaindealer; came to California in 1911; to Los Angeles in 1912
and joined forces with the Eagle, which was renamed the Calif omia Eagle; is prominent
in church and fraternal circles; Grand Master of the Grand United Order of Odd
FeUows Editor Joseph B. Bass has succeeded in winning a powerful influence in
politics, which carries with it a tremendous weight with the masses. He is a fearless
writer and uncompromising in any fight for the best interest of the race. His influence
in politics is recognized by politicians all over the State, until it is almost a foregone
conclusion that whichever way Editor Bass is headed, "Just so will the ticket go."
Los Angeles has another race editor who wields a good influence in politics. He
publishes the New Age, a paper whose tone and careful proofreading make it one of
the most welcome papers in all homes, and he recently was elected to represent the
Seventy-fourth District of the State of California in the Legislature. This refers to
the Hon. Frederick Madison Roberts, who has the honor of having won an election in
a district where two-thirds of the voters are white, and where his opponent circulated
cards which said: "My opponent is a nigger." Mr. Boberts is the son of the well-
known pioneer undertaker, Mr. Andrew J. Boberts of Los Angeles.
The Hon. Frederick Madison Boberts was bom in ChiUicothe, Ohio, coming to
California with his parents when he was very young. He attended Los Angeles public
schools, graduating from the L. A. High School, after which he immediately entered
the University of Southern California, leaving before receiving a degree. Later he
attended the University of Colorado, at Colorado Springs, and graduated, receiving the
degree of Science and Letters. He afterwards graduated from Barnes l^hool of Mor-
256 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
tiiary and Sanitarj 8eienee. In 1910 he was depaty asseMor in £1 Pato Ooontj,
Oolorado.
He returned to Loe Angeles and purehased the New Age, a paper whidi had been
but recently established in that citj. He has snceessfnlly published it for years. Later,
wishing to advanee further, he accepted a position as principal of the Mt. Bayou publie
school, in Mi ss i ssippi. He held this position for several years, after which he returned
to Lfos Angeles and resumed hb editing of the New Age. He is a true American and
has worked unceasingly for the aid of the Liberty Loan and Bed Cross, and is a
member of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Welfare Commission of Los Angeles. Mr.
Boberts has traveled extensively. This, together with his fine understanding of human
nature, enabled him to become a ready writer, a firm and sincere race man. He knows
how to fight for the race with that dignity and polish that comes from a knowledge of
the science of understanding the mind of the masses. His writings, while convincing,
are never abusive. His paper is thoroughly reliable, neat and weU edited.
Professor Charles Alexander is another race editor located in Los Angeles. He is
owner and publisher of the ''Citieen Advocate," This paper is weU edited and the
proof is always carefully read. Mr. Alexander is an old newspaperman, having pub-
lished many magazines and books, as his sketch will show. Mr. Alexander is active^
interested in the N. A. A. C. P. and other movements for the advancement of the race.
Becently he was on a committee of gentlemen who together accompanied Attorney
Edward Burton Ceruti when he made a second plea before the supervisors of Los
Angeles County not to rescind their vote to admit Negro girls to attend the Nurses'
Training school. Mr. Alexander's address on this occasion will be found, together with
Mr. Ceruti 's, in this chapter, as they are both historical and in after years will show to
coming generations the kind of men that were ''Trail Blazers" in the fight for an equal
opportunity in California for the Negro race.
The San Francisco district of California also has many good race papers edited by
men who are sincere in the fight for equal opportunity for the race. Among this num-
ber is Mr. Joseph Francis and Mr. Derrick, editors and owners of the W^eater/i On^ioolr.
It is a weekly paper and published in San Francisco. They have been very gaieroua
in donating space in their paper for worthy movements, such as the Sojourner Trotli
Home Club of Los Angeles, when a few years ago they were struggling to pay for the
property. The paper is reliable for pioneer data and the writer has secured many names
for the Pioneer List from the Weetem Outlook. Mr. Francis and Mr. Derriek at one
time attended the University of California, at Berkeley. Their paper is a creditable
race enterprise.
San i^ancisco also has a monthly paper edited and published by Mr. George Wat-
kins, who came to California from Shrevesport, Louisiana, about thirty years ago. H«
owned a printing plant worth several thousand dollars which he lost through the earth-
quake and fire of 1906 in San Francisco. The paper he is now editing and publiahing ia
called The Pacific Appeal. Mr. Watkins was personally acquainted with the late Peter
Anderson and many of the pioneer race editors of San Francisco.
Editor Watkins enjoys the distinction of being the first colored person in California
to publidi a book on the Pioneer Negroes of the State. About twenty-five years ago
he edited and published a small pamphlet which he called ' * A Souvenir of Distinguiahed
Afro-Americans of the Pacific Coast." The work, contained a number of good and
interesting sketches concerning miners and other pioneers who helped make Califoniia
a good place for the Negro to live in. The editor Idndly loaned the author the onl^
copy of this valuable book now in existence, with permission to quote from these
sketches in this history. He also generously loaned the author his files of old news-
papers, many of which were issued before the earthquake and fire and contained valua-
ble material which has been quoted, especially concerning San Francisco. Mr. Watkins
is a sincere race man and owns valuable property in Oakland and the Imperial Valley.
Several years ago there was published in Los Angeles a race paper by a Mr. Buber
Brown. This paper was known as The Los Angeles Post. He was a victim of the
white plague, dying during the past year. The race has enjoyed at different times
promising magazines by scholars and writers principally in Los Angeles. Among* thia
number the writer has seen copies of The Cactus, New Age and The Peace OiUde.
The following is quoted from the biographical sketch as written by the late Bishop
Amett concerning the "Poet of the Maumee," J. Madison Bell, as an Introduction to
the book of poems of the distinguished original poet and reader, which said: "The
wealth of a nation does not consist alone in its bonds of gold, silver or land, but the
true wealth consists in the intelligence, courage, industry and frugality of the men;
the intelligence, culture and virtue of its womanhood. Each generation produces ita
men and women for the times in which they live. Digitized by V3*^v/v lk.
OP CALIFORNIA 257
"In war, warriors are produced. In ease of law, judges and others are produced,
so that the times, whether of an individual, family or race, very seldom call for a man
that he is not to be found to lead on the armies, to teach its children, to encourage its
people to renewal of energy and effort. Our race is no exception to the general rule
of history. During all of our sorrowful and sad history we have had men and women
when needed. * * * J. Madison Bell was bom April 3, 1826, at Gallipolis, Ohio.
He lived there until he was seventeen years of age. In 1842 he removed to Cincinnati,
Ohio, and lived with his brother-in-law, George Knight, and learned the plasterer's
trade. Mr. Elnight was one of the best mechanics in the city.
"At the time of the arrival of Mr. Bell in Cincinnati, the subject of education was
agitated among the colored and white people. The school question was one of the
living and burning questions, and had been since 1835. Previous to that time the schools
were privately taught by white men for whiter children, but Mr. Wing and a number
of others allowed the colored youths to attend the night schools. Peter H. Clark, In
speaking of the time that Mr. Bell came to Cincinnati, uses the foUowing language:
' A number of young men and women, filled with the spirit of hatred to slavery and a
desire to labor for the down-trodden race, came into the city and established schools
at various points; one in the colored Baptist Church on Western Bow, was taught at
various times by Messrs. Barber, E. Fairchilds, W. Bobinson and Angus Wattles. Among
the ladies there were the Misses Bishop, Lowe, Mathews and Mrs. MerrilL * * * A
part of the salaries of these teachers was paid by an educational society composed of
benevolent whites, many of whom survived to witness the triumph of principles which
they espoused amid such obloquy. A number of colored men co-operated heartily in
this work, among whom may be named Baker Jones, Joseph Fowler, John Woodson,
Dennis Hillis, John Liverpool, William O'Hara and others. These schools continued
with varying fortunes until 1844, when Bev. Hiram 8. Gilmore, a young man of good
fortune, fine talents and rare benevolence, established the Cincinnati high school, which
was in some respects the best school ever established in the city for colored people.
Its proprietor, or rather patron, spared no expense to make it a good success. Ground
was purchased at the east end of Harrison street and a commodious building of five
large rooms and a chapel was fitted up. Good teachers were employed to instruct in
the common branches of an English course, besides which Latin, Greek, music and
drawing were taught.' ♦ • •
"The subject of this sketch was a busy man; he worked by day and studied by
night. He worked at his trade in the summer and fall and studied in the winter, each
spring coming out renewed in strength and increased in knowledge. It was in these
times that Mr. Bell entered school and at the same time was indoctrinated into the
principles of radical anti-slaveryism. It was in this school in connection with Oberlin
CoUege that the sentiment of 'Uncle Tom's Cabin' was bom in Walnut Hills, Cincin-
nati, Ohio, giving an impetus to the cause of human freedom* Thus imbued and thus
indoctrinated, he desired a wider field to breathe a freer atmosphere where his sphere
of usefulness could be enlarged, which could only be enjoyed under the British flag.
In August, 1854, he moved with his family to Chatham, Canada, where he lived until
1860. Mr. Bell waaf a personal friend of John Brown, of Harper's Ferry. He was a
member of hid counsel in Canada, and assisted in enlisting men to go upon the raid.
He was his guest while the recruiting was going on in Canada and was one of the last
men to see John Brown when he left Canada for the United States. He only escaped
the fate of many of John Brown's men by the providence of God. He assisted in
raising money to carry on the work. * * * It was while in his twenty-second year
that he courted and married Miss Louisana Sanderline, and to this marriage a number
of children were bom who became useful citizens. * • * February, 1860, he started
for California and landed in San Francisco on the 29th of the same month.
"Upon arriving on the Pacific Coast he found the leaders of his race in an active
campaign against the disabilities of the children and the race in that new country. He
inunediately became one of them, and joined hands, heart and brain to assist in breaking
the fetters from the limbs of his race in California and giving an equal opportunity for
the people to acquire an education.
"He was united on the Coast with a noble band of leaders; among them were Bev.
T. M. D. Ward, Darius Stokes, John J. Moor, Barney Fletcher, J. B. Sanderson, Bev.
John T. Jenifer. Bichard Hall, F. G. Barbadoes and Phillip A. Bell, editor of the
Faoifio Appeal.
"Bev. James Hubbard, in speaking of the pioneers of the gold coast, said: 'They
endured many privations, chief among which were the lack of home comforts and influ*
.enees.' At the convention held by the ministers of thel African Episcopal Church he
took a prominent part in the convention, uniting his intelligence an4zlll^]pUtlHlgiMli|h
258 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
the people. A eonvention of miniBtera and laymen met in San Franeiaeo Toeeday,
September 3, 1863. Brother Barney Fletcher called the meeting to order and Elder T.
H. D. Ward was appointed chairman. In thia convention they discussed the subject of
the Church and State. We find Mr. Bell participating in this convention, and he is
reported as being a steward of the church at San Francisco. He wa^ a member of the
committee on finance and ministry and their reports gave the proper key-note for
ministerial education. • * • "^iVIule in Calif omia^ some of his most stirring poems
were written, among them the poems on 'Emancipation' and 'Lincoln.' • • •
''While living in Toledo, Ohio, J. Madison BeU was elected as a delegate from
Lucas County to the State convention, and there he was elected as a delegate at large
from Ohio to the National convention which met in Philadelphia, May, 1872. At this
eonvention General Grant was renominated for the presidency of the United Statesi
During the campaign his voice was heard in many portions of the State pleading for
the re-election of the hero of Appomattox. • * •
"The honor of presenting an individual to a select company or to a distinguished
audience is a privilege a man perhaps enjoys once in a life time, but the privilege that
is now afforded is of a very high order, the privilege of introducing an author and his
book not to a select company of friends or to a high dignitary, but to the commonwealth
of letters, to the thinking men, women and chil^en of the present and future genera-
tions. The honor carries with it a responsibility for the character of the individual and
the character of the book, therefore I do not fear the consequences of the introduction
of so distinguished an individual or so useful a book. • • •
"In 1884 the general conference of the A. M. E. Church adjourned its session in
Baltimore and was received at the White House by the President of the United States^
Chester A. Arthur. It was my pleasure to present the bishops, general officers and
members to His Excellency, the President of the United States, an honor enjoyed by
few. The privilege of introducing one of my own race, of my own church and politick
faith, a man whose poems will stand aa his monument from generation to generation
and will give light and joy to the laboring and struggling people for many centuries."
The above quotation is from the pen of one of the greatest Negro orators that ever
lived and a delightful Christian gentleman. The writer is proud ^ say she knew the
late Bishop Amett, and will add that his estimate is valuable, for he was capable of
judging the book and author.
William Edgar Easton (Senior) was born in New York City March 19, 1861, of
Charles F. Easton, Sr., son of the American Revolution, and Marie Antoinette Leggett-
Easton, a descendant of a hero of the Bevolutionary War, of Haiti. There were three
children, Marie A., bom in Plymouth, Massachusetts; Charles, Jr., bom in New Orleans,
and the subject of this sketch. At the age of thirteen, bereft of his mother, William
became the charge of his godmother, Baroness de Hoffman, who entmsted him to the
care of a Catholic priest and he was entered in the Seminary de Troise Bivieres, Canada,
afterwards entering the La Salle Academy of Providence, Bhode Island, and completing
his education in a college of the Congregation de Saint Croix.
At the age of twenty-two he took up his residence in Texas, where he taught school,
married and became prominent in the Bepublican politics of that State, having for
twelve years served as secretary of the Bepublican State Executive Committee, chair-
man of the Executive Committee of the Bepublican party of the County Travis, the loca-
tion of Austin, the capital of the State. With the assistance of Bev. I. B. Scott, after-
ward Bishop Scott, of the M. E. Church, and Bev. A. Grant, bishop of the A. M. E.
Church, Mr. Easton organized the Texas Blade Publishing Company and became its
editor, giving the race a fearless advocate and defender.
In the year 1895, Mr. Easton was appointed storekeeper of the bonded stores of
the Galveston custom house. Prior to that, in 1886, he had been appointed, along with
Bev. A. Grant, a commissioner to the New Orleans and South ionerican Exposition.
In the year 1895, Mr. Easton was appointed night police clerk of San Antonio, Texas,
and served the administration with honor during his incumbency.
Though for many years a writer of short, humorous stories for weekly and daily
papers, Mr. Easton elected to write his first book as a tribute to the magnificent courage
and achievements of the Negro. Hence his first book, "Dessalines,'' came from the
press, its theme the heroic stmggles of the Haitians for independence. The late Judge
Tourgee, "Bystander" of the Chicago Inier-Oeean, styled "Deosalines" the first
evidence of a high order of literary excellence by the American Negro. The Haitian
government attested its historical accuracy in a warm letter of appreciation. In tht
year 1910, Mr. Easton published his second book in Los Angeles, Cahf omia, having been
a resident of the State of Calif omia since July, 1901. This book was entitled "Ohria*
tophe," a continuation of the heroic stmggles for a stable gov^mnLment^ot.tte Haitian
OP CALIFORNIA 259
people. It was saeeessfnlly staged in Los Angeles, having its initial performance in
New York City by the foremost actress of the race, Miss Henrietta Yinton Davis. This
lady had the leading character in the first performance of " Dessalines/ ' afterward
staging her own version of the drama in a Pennsylvania circuit. Mrs. Spear-Bass,
editress of the California Eagle, and a lady of keen literary perception, wrote of Mr.
Easton's books that they were a quarter of a century ahead of the race for whom they
'were written, and probably his literary work would not be properly appreciated in the
author's life time.
Mr. Easton has been very active in public life here, editing a newspaper. He was
the first of the race to serve as either a city or county depu^ field assessor, and, at
several tax collection periods, acted as a clerk in the county clerk's of&ce. In politics
Mr. Easton has always been found where he could do the most good for his race, and
in the campaign of Mayor Harper, demanded and received for the race, in acknowledge-
ment of its loyalty at the poUs, an ordinance making the refusal to serve members of
the race! a misdemeanor witii, as a penalty, loss of license to do business.
In the year 1915 Mr. Easton was appointed to the responsible position of custodian
of the State offices, in Los Angeles, and, though furnished with white janitors at the
start, he has succeeded in making the janitorial force of the State offices and Exposition
Park partly colored. These positions pay ninety dollars per month. After serving
seven months as custodian he entered into a competitive examination with sixteen others^
all white but himself, and was reappointed under the State civil service. A short time
ago Mr. Easton was appointed the manager of the Los Angeles branch of the State
purchasing department and had an increase in salary.
Hon. Emmett J. Scott selected Mr. Easton as a member of the National Bureau of
Shpeakers for the War Department, the first appointment of the race west of the
Mississippi, and since, he was selected a member of the "Four Minute Speakers" by
Hon. Marshall Stimson, the director for Southern California. The most recent honor to
come to Mr. Easton has been his appointment as chairman historian for the race's war
activities during the trying times of this great international struggle, worthy of a place
in the volumes that will be published by the State Council of Defense.
Mr. Easton showed his appreciation of women's work by having Governor William
D. Stephens make a forceful and sympathetic address to the California State Federation
of Colored Women's Clubs, and escorting him to the rostrum, having himself the day
before, in his capacity as a member of the National Speakers' Bureau, delivered an
address that was received with marked attention and resounding applause. Mr. Easton
believes in the good women of the race and tells me that he treasures, above all other
testimonials (and they are numerous) the following letter, herewith reproduced:
''California State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs.
"Oakland, California, August 21, 1918.
"Mr. William E. Easton, National Bepresenative, All American League of California,
Los Angeles, California.
"Dear Sir: We, as an earnest body of women striving for self -betterment and the
betterment of all humanity, wish to congratulate you for the honor bestowed upon you
as a member of the Special Speakers' Bureau of the War Department. We feel proud
of you, and we know in selecting you to act in that capacity they have chosen one
who is able to convey to the public the meaning and significance of this great and
terrific confiict not for a world's supremacy and the murdering of innocent women and
children, but a world's fight for democracy.
"We sincerely wish you continued success and attention with your able addresses
and noble plea for justice for all humanity. You will overlook our delay in sending
you our congratulations, for we have just returned to our homes from your beautifid
city, where we had the pleasure of listening to your very interesting as well as
instructive remarks during one of the sessions of our Federation.
"Yours for 'Deeds, not Words,'
(Signed) "Mrs. Hbttie B. Tilghicak, President
(Seal of Federation) "Mas. Edtths Nicholas, Secretary,'*
Jjk the department devoted to Speeches and Poetry wiU be found an interesting
letter which Mr. Easton sent Hon. Emmett J. Scott and has since used as his four-
minute speech when addressing the race. The writer considers it a masterpiece, as
well as historical.
Mr. Jefferson Lewis Edmonds, the subject of this sketch, was a thorough race-
loving gentleman. He was a resident for many years of Los Angeles. He was bom a
slave, having been the property of Dr. Jefferson L. Edmonds, and was reared where he
260 THE NEORO TRAIL BLAZERS
was bom on the plantation near Culpepper Conrt Honse, Virginia. He acquired an
education after the Emaneipation Proclamation issued bj the martyred President lin-
eolUy and finally migrated to Los Angeles, California.
He immediately became an active co-worker and many times a leader in every
movement of interest to the race. He was fearless and edited for years a weekly race
paper known as The lAberaior, He was one of the founders of the ''Forum" and the
" Afro- American Council/' which extended its membership all over the State. A
ready and forceful, i>olished writer, he did much for the race in Southern California,
because he was an eloquent orator and one whose interest never lagged. He was often
asked to deliver addresses by members of the other race, as on the occasion of the dedi-
cation of a monument to the memory of the late Owen Brown, a son of John Brown, of
Harper's Ferry fame, and at the memorial services over the deceased daughter of John
Brown, M^s* Buth Brown-Thompson, of Pasadena. His oration on these occasions were
published in full in the daily papers. They are wonderful productions and, like his
editorials, even to this day are inspiring to read.
This paper, The Liberator, was devoted to the cause of good government and the
advancement of the Afro- American. Its title was one that the writer thinks was really
one which the Liberator, John Brown, would have selected had he been privileged to
do so. The combined issue of this worthy paper for January and February, 1904, was
really of historical value because it gave a complete survey of the conditions and
advancement of every activity of the race in Los Angeles.
In 1909 the Loa Angeles Times issued a similar edition. Mr. Edmonds was invited
to write the leading article, which was given prominence on the front page of this
historical issue. Mr. John McGroarty, the great historian and writer, wrote the intro-
duction which appeared oppodte the article by the late Hon. Jefferson Edmonds.
Mr. Edmonds was happily married and left to mourn his passing a wife, Mrs. Ida
Edmonds, and the following children: Jefferson L., Dorathea, Susie E. Warner, Ida,
Elgin, Cordelia A., Blanchard K., Walter C, Willie and Lena M.; one daughter, SaIHe,
had died. Mrs. Edmonds' mother, Mrs. Sallie Moore, came to see her daughter after
an absence of forty years, from Valdosta, Georgia, to California at the age of eighty
years, traveling alone.
There were many beautiful testimonials written concerning the life of our subject
upon his passing. Would that space permitted quoting from many, but this sketch
cannot close without quoting from the Western Outlook of San Francisoo, January 4,
1914, which said: "The death of J. L. Edmonds, editor of the Los Angeles Liberator^
removes from the scene of action one of the most forceful writers of the race on the
coast. He was a man who stood up for his convictions, and seemed to fear nothing.
He believed in the right and stood up for the same and was a staunch advocate <3
manhood-rights for his race. He was an able thinker and a close reasoner and his
editorials, though often keen and biting, always commanded attention."
The writer had the pleasure of looking over the files of Mr. Edmonds' papers and
was surprised to find that he had every year bound in book form, leaving a historical
record few men in any race would have taken the care and time to make, in order to
preserve for future generations such valuable records as are newspaper files.
Mr. James B. Wilson, the subject of this sketch, came to California in 1863, from
Wilmington, Delaware. He came as a cabin boy on the William Neil revenue cutter,
and was in the waters of Hampton Boadsi during the battle of the "Monitor" and
"Merrimac." The vessel was en route to Antwerp, Belgium, and LiverpooL On its
return trip it called at the port of Baltimore and hence to California.
After Mr. Wilson's arrival at the port of San Francisco, he decided to remain. He
readily secured employment in the Navy department of the Union Iron Works of that
city. He served as messenger for the Union Iron Works of San Francisco for deven
years, during which time he studied the art of stenography and typewriting, being one
of the first to master this trade in all of San Francisco's colored population. This
knowledge was the means of opening the door of opi>ortunity and he received a position
in a white law oflice.
Mr. Wilson was ever ready to improve his condition, and during spare moments read
law, qualifying himself to be admitted to practice, but owing to the prejudice existing
in that period in California he was refused to opportunity to stand an ezaminatioB.
Having determined to advance in the world, he resigned his position and entered the
newspaper world as im associate editor of the Elevator, together with Mr. Phillip A
Bell and William Blake. The writer has seen many copies of the paper during the time
Mr. Wilson was associated as editor and was highly gratified over the dean, new^y
well-edited sheet, which had grown twice the size of the original paper.
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OP CALIFORNIA 261
Mr. Wilson was an intense race-man, was interested in and worked in every move-
ment for the benefit and uplift of the Negro race in California. He was one of the
organisers of the Afro- American Oonncil^ one of the most influential organizations in
the State working for the welfare and uplift of the Negro. He was a member of the
Qrand Lodge of Odd Fellows, and for a number of years held the appointment as deputy
sheriff of Alameda County, dalif omia, serving under Sheriff Frank Bamett
He was appointed by Governor Hiram Johnson as notary public for Alameda County,
Califomia. Mr. James Wilson was a valuable citizen not only of the City of Oakland,
but of the entire State. His advice was often sought on many issues of the day. He
was highly respected and has been greatly missed since his passing, leaving to mourn
him a widow and one daughter, whose sketch will be found in "Distinguished Women."
Mr. John A. Wilds, the subject of this sketch, was bom a slave in North Carolina,
in 1845, and passed through the Civil War. He came to Oakland with his wife and four
children in Oictober of 1874, locating in the part incorporated as Brooklyn. ' He followed
draying for a livelihood until 1879, when he was appointed night-watchman and janitor
of the city hall. He retained this position under seventeen city administrations, and
was retired under the new city charter in July, 1912. His faithfulness to duty won for
him the highest praise from city ofBLcials and the public in general. Many commendable
editorials concerning his diplomacy and faithfulness were published in the daily press
and race papers at the time of his retirement.
Mr. Wilds has always been an active worker in the service to assist the race
advance. He was associated with the men who made the fight for equal school privi-
leges for the Negro children. He has been a member of the Fifteenth Street A. M. E.
Church for over forty years. It has been fully thirty-five years since he assisted in the
organization of the church aid and literary societies. He has been a trustee of the
church for thirty years, and superintendent for the Sunday school for eighteen years.
Mr. Wilds is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and a leading member of the
Afro-American Council. He found time to publish and edit the Oakland Sunshine, the
first race paper published in that city. He had a paper that was well-edited, a dean,
newsy sheet which aimed to inspire the Negro people to advance and contend for their
rights as American citizens. During the past few years he sold the paper to Mr.
Bridges, who still owns it. Bev. Coleman is editor and general manager. Mr. Wilds
has Uved a life for the' good of mankind in general and is well-respected by all who
know him« in both races.
Professor C. A. Biggers is the president of a commercial college by the same name
located in Los Angeles. This young man is thoroughly educated and competent to give
instructions in all the branches necessary for a business education. He deserves great
eredit for the courage he has in attempting to bring to the race such valuable knowl-
edge. This war has demonstrated to the Negro race what a handicap it is to not be
efficient in at least a business education, especially when the government has opened
80 many opportunities for advancement in the Army and Navy.
Professor Biggers has the distinction of being the only Negro whose sketch appeared
in a book called "Men of Distinction." The subjects for this book were selected
from men in Califomia, Nevada and Nebraska. The work was well-known and highly
recommended for its value in the commercial world, the Davis Commercial Encyclopedia,
published in 1917. Since the date of its publication Professor Biggers had added much
to the prestige of his record by the history he has made. Among the many the fol-
lowing is noteworthy of comment and credit to him:
"The manager of the Labor Union Magazine purchased a hundred-dollar scholarship
and gave it away, as one of their first prizes, on Labor Day. A magazinef publishing
company known as the Califomia Delineator purchased a hundred-dollar scholarship
and gave it away as one of their Christmas prizes. Beside these commendable expressions
of appreciation shown the Biggers Listitute by white companies, fond appreciation has
been shown by organizations of his own race. The B. T. P. U. Federation, comprising
the union of fifteen Baptist churches of Los Angeles County, purchased five and one-half
scholarships and gave to four of their deserving members."
The following appeared in the "Davis Commercial Encyclopaedia": "C. A. Big-
gers, president of Biggers' Business College, located at 408 Germain building, Los
Angeles, Califomia, has been connected with the institution for the past thirteen years,
during which time he has seen the college grow to gratifying proportions. The college
offers instruction in all business branches, including higher Elnglish and gives individual
instruction to all pupils, of whom there are a large number. In the time Mr. Biggers
has been with the college he has had in his classes between four and five thousand
students, three hundred and twenty-seven graduates, three hundred and twenty-two of
whom were secured positions.
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262 THE NEORO TRAIL BLAZERS
"Mr. Biggera wms bom in Ogwego, Kansas, in 1882, a son of Phillip and Jnlia
Biggers. His education was reeeived in Kansas Oitjr. Missouri. He graduated in Pougk-
keepsie, New York; entered the George B. Smith Oollege and graduated in 1903 whk
the degree of A. B. Moving to Oklahoma, Mr. Biggers was for three ^ears in the gOT*
emment employ as court reporter in the deposition department concerning the allotment
of Indian claims. Mr. Biggers was for two years principal of the Ardmore City schools,
later opening his own business college in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he remained
for eleven years. He has lectured on various educational topics throughout Texas, Okla-
homa, Kansas and Missouri in the interests of educational affairs. He won first prise
in the Freedman Aid Colleges in the contest of writing poetry, and was offered a pro-
fessorship in the commercial department of three of them. Coming to Los Angeles in
1913, Mr. Biggers has since conducted the present Biggers Business College, meeting
with success in instructing and securing positions for his pupils.
"Mr. Biggers, in 1905, married Miss Trelawney Beatrice Dunbar, now dead, and
has three children — Charles, ten; Earnest, eight; Willetta Mae, six years old. He is a
member -of the State Clubs, All American League and the Odd Fellows, and feels that
this section is a place of great possibilities for all races, industrially and educationally.
Truthful representation of the country will do much to assist in its advancement, and
he himself is ever ready to support any movement which has for its purpose the dissem^
ination of useful information regarding the community.''
"Professor Charles Alexander, educator, author, literary critic and orator, was bom
at Natches, Mississippi. He went to New London, Connecticut, i^en a small boy, and
in that city received his literary training. He has been regularly employed on the staff
of Boston (Massachusetts) and Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) daily newspapers; has
traveled in Europe, the Island of Cuba and throughout the United States and Canada.
He has served as teacher for four years in the Agricultural and Mechanical College at
Normal, Alabama; two years at Tuskegee Institute, in Alabama, and four years at WO-
berforee University, in Ohio. From 1893 to 1896 he published The Monthly Review in
Boston, Massachusetts. From 1906 to 1909 he published Alexander '9 Magcaine in Boa-
ton, and conducted a general printing business. He has contributed book reviews, short
stories and poems to various newspapers and magazines throughout the country. He
is the author of the following books: 'Evidences of the Progress Among Colored Peo-
ple' (1896), 'One Hundred Distinguished Leaders' (1897), 'Under Fire with the Tenth
U. S. Cavalry' (1898), 'Making Printers at Tuskegee' (1900), and 'Battles and Vie-
tories of Allen Allensworth' (1914).
"As a platform speaker Professor Charles Alexander occupies a conspicuous place.
He has lectured in eighty-six towns in California. In his work as lecturer on 'Paul
Laurence Dunbar,' the Negro poet, there is subtle analysis and sincere appreciation of
the poet's genius. The thought and feeling of the speaker find full expression in a
voice of rare sweetness. Through his intorpreation of the Negro dialect poems, the
quaint picturesqueness of the Negro nature are vividly portrayed. After one hears the
rich love stories, of how intensely and nobly the Negro strives to attain his possibilities,
there is a heightened respect for the race. Professor Alexander is a fine writer, a poet
of high ability and a platform orator of rare powers. He is a master of the Negro
dialect so splendidly used in Dunbar's poems and short stories." (See Literary chapter
for verse by Professor Alexander.)
The following is an exact quotation from letters received by Professor Alexander:
"inrst Methodist Episcopal Church.
' ' Charles Edward Locke, Pastor.
"Los Angeles, California, Sixth Street and HilL
"It gives me great pleasure to speak in terms of heartiest commendation of Pro-
fessor Charles Alexander and his unusufdly fine lecture on 'Paul Laurence Dunbar.' It
is safe to say that Professor Alexander gives altogether the most exhaustive interpre-
tation of the great Negro poet. He is an entertaining speaker and that audience is to
be congratulated that has the opportunity of hearing him. The Methodist Ministers'
Meeting of Los Angeles enjoyed a rare hour when Professor Alexander paid them a
visit, as did also the Methodist Brotherhood of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
"Chablbs Edwaud Locks."
"First Baptist Church.
"William H. Oeistweit, Pastor. Fred D. Finn, Associate Pastor.
"San Diego, California, November 24, 1915.
"The best evidence I can give to the worth of such an evening as Professor Alex-
ander gave our people in the White Temple is to say that we at once asked him to come
a second time within the next six weeks. Personally, I want to say that it was one of
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OP CALIFORNIA 263
the rarest eveninga I have enjojed for many a year. The Poet Paul Laurence Dunbar
-WWLB truly a genius; I am inclined to say this /his interpreter, Mr. Alexander, is scarcely
leas a genius.' ^'William H. Gkstwdt."
The following poems are the writings of Pioneer Negroes:
A VOICE PBOM THE OPPRESSED TO THE PBIEND8 OP HUMANITY
Composed by one of the suffering class.
Mas. Pbisoilla Stewabt.
Look and behold our sad despair,
Our hopes and prospects fled,
The tyrant slavery entered here
And laid us all for dead.
Sweet home! When shall we find a homef
If the tyrant says that we must go
The love of gain the reason,
And if humanity dare say "No,"
Then they are tried for treason.
Ood bless the Queen's majesty.
Her sceptre and her throne,
She looked on us with sympathy
And offered us a home.
Far better breathe Canadian air
Where all are free and well.
Than live in slavery's atmosphere
And wear the chains of helL
Farewell to our native land.
We must wave the parting hand,
Never to see thee any more,
But seek a foreign land.
Farewell to our true friends,
Who've suffered dungeon and death.
Ton have a claim upon our gratitude
Whilst God shall lend us breath.
May Ood inspire your hearts ,
A Marion raise your hands;
Never desert your principles
Until you've redeemed your land.
COLUMBIA
By William Boss Wiallaob.
Columbia stands forth as the Queen of the Nation,
With the diadem of Freedom radiant with the stars flashing
From her spotless brow.
Look up with proud and solemn joy unto our Flag,
That for the deathless right of man
Blazed over Freedom's threatening crag
When slavery's bolts were hurled.
For a million heroes made its stars
The hope-lights of the world.
Oh, see we not amid the joy
Now where the battle's o'er,
Our dear, great country, greater yet
On shouting chainloss sea and shore.
All state hates from us hurled.
For a million heroes made our stars
The hope-lights of the world. ^ j
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264 THE NEGRO TBAIL BLAZERS
THE GLOBT OF THE COMING MAN
Bt Miss Gicilia 'Williams, Shakespearean Tragedienne.
The one great act in Freedom's eause,
The act fiiat now we celebrate,
That ahould uplift as man to man.
We still exist in name alone.
The iron hoofs of nations still oppress ns.
I strove to penetrate the unknown future,
I look back on the dim and musty past,
And jet I feel it will not always last.
I rouse from apathy my sluggish self,
And shake the dust of bondage from my brow;
Until the Civil Bights in thundering tones be spokea
The task of freedom is but half -begun.
Let education fit us for the conflict
Let us be united both hand and heart together,
And then the sun will spread its rays before us
To cheer the glory of the coming i
Those men that freedom has ennobled,
And men whose virtues are immortal,
So let our friend and statesman guide us,
Charles Sumner, from the spirit land.
And may his good deeds live within the Senate
Till with our fairer kindred
We shall be brothers hand in hand;
I see the future rise before me.
The glory of the coming man.
The following poem was written and recited by the author, James Madison BeU,
on the occasion of a great public meeting held by the colored people in Sacramento,
California, commemorating the death of the Martyred President, Abraham Ldneohiy on
Tuesday evening, April 18, 1865. The poem afterward was publi^ed in the daily papers
and also the colored papers.
POEM
Wherefore half-mast and waving sadly,
And seeming ill-disposed to move.
Are those bright emblems which so gladly
Were wont to wave our homes above f
And why is this all glorious nation
Thus in her hour of hope bowed lowf .
Wherefore those marks of grief and sorrow
So visible on every facef
To what foul deed of bloody horror
Do all those gloomy signs retrace f
Aback to the waUs and lofty spire,
Back to your country's bleeding sire,
Back to your dying Magistrate.
We know not why Ood has permitted
This tragic scene, this bloody deed;
An act so seemingly unfitted
In this auspicious hour of need.
Though none perhaps may the intention
Or the wondrous purpose tell,
Of this direful life suspension —
Yet God, the Lord, doeth all things welL
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OP CALIFORNIA 265
Oar Nation's Father has been murdered;
Our Nation's Chieftain has been slain
Bj traitorous hands most basely ordered;
And we, his ehildren, feel the pain.
Our pain is mixed with indignation.
Our sorrow is not purely brief,
And nothing short of a libation
From l^eason 's heart can bring relief.
And we, in spile of earth and heaven,
On bended knee with lifted hand.
Swear, as we hope to be forgiven,
To drive foul Treason from the land.
And that fair land so long polluted
By the sweat of unpaid toil,
Shall be by Liberty uprooted
And thickly spread with freedom's soil.
Thus we'll avenge the death of Lincoln,
His noble principles maintain,
Till every base, inhuman falcon
Is swept from freedom's broad domain;
Until from tower and from turret.
From mountain height and prairie wide.
One Flag shall wave — and freedom's spirit
Li peace and love o'er all preside.
Among his poems is a collection of War poems, which were written in California,
and are, namely, "The Black-man's Wrongs" and "The Dawn of Freedom." Some of
these poems contained as high as twenty-five verses and were full of music and a mes-
sage that to the writer are classic. It is especially true of his poem upon leaving San
Francisco.
THE COMING MAN
By Wiluam J. Wilson.
I break the chains that have been clanging
Down through the dim vault of ages.
I gird my strength, mind and arms
And prepare for the terrible conflict.
I am to war with principalities, powers, wrongs,
With oppressions — ^with all that curse humanity.
I am resolved;
'Tis more than half my task;
'Twas the great need of all my past existence.
The gloom that has so long shrouded me
Becedes as vapor from the new presence.
And the light gleams. It must be life
So brightens and spreads its pure rays before
That I read my mission as 'twere a book.
It is life; life in which none but men.
Not those who only wear the form, can live
To give this life to the world;
To make men put off the thews and sinews of oppressed slaves.
FOBGET-ME-NOT
Bt Edward Cain.
To flourish around my native bower
And blossom around my cot,
I cultivate a little flower
That's called forget-me-not. ^^ ^
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266 THE NEGRO TBAIL BLAZERS
The oeean mm^ between us roll.
And distanee be our lot,
I hope that we may meet again;
I pray, Forget-me-not.
So adieu I Some happy day,
When we shall meet again,
May the fragrant breese of summer bear
The f ragranee of the glen.
May every bright-winged, singing bird
Plume themselves in song;
So short would seem our summer's day,
We wish it still more long.
Adieu, adieu I your little stars
Are twinkling one by one.
When the moon comes out to take the place
Left vacant by the sun.
When all the stars grow dim
They cannot pierce her light;
How proud and beautiful she is.
My dearest friend, good-night.
CBI8PU8 ATTUCK8
Black, and a man of might.
He struck, and fell for the right;
Tho' he himself was 'neath Freedom's ban,
He struck and died for his fellow man —
Not the black man; but the white.
History with hesitafing pen has writ his name
But stealthily, as though in fear that fame,
In seeking out her heroes for her prize.
Might through her less discriminating eyes
See Black names 'mongst the White.
I saw him (in thought) as he stood,
And his glance seemed to say that he should
Yield up his own life though in unequal strife.
If 'twas only for Liberty's good.
And he struck, and how mighty the blow,
Though the Britons laid many lives low.
The blood of the Black and the blood of the White fomented a
Baptismal font for Freedom. — Jkaics.
MT BAZOB
A thunderbolt from Heaven cast.
When Angels warred against their God,
Fell on the summit of Mount Atlas,
And Hercules tore it from the sod;
Vulcan, the mythological smith,
From a small spark this razor made.
And Venus, who'd admired the work,
Smiling sweetly, kissed the blade.
-^SiLlCS (1^8).
LE BOUTONNIEBE
Mignonette and Pansies, too,
Pansies and sweet Mignonette,
TeU me that your love is true;
Say that you will ne'er forget.
When Mignonette's sweet odor's lost
And Pansies' purple hue is gone,
Then will I feel that hope is past,
Tour love forever from me flown.
JxAMs (October 15, 1881).
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WITHBBED PL0WEB8
I have pressed in a book a pretty red rose
That oft-times reminds of a love I once knew.
And whenever I gaze on its delicate form
The leaves seem to say that love is still tme.
When this sign of love's freshness no longer appears,
And the red, too, that told of a warm love is gone,
'Twill be then, not till then, I'll regret the past years
And feel that the love I once cherished is flown.
— Jkams (May 9, 1881).
And now will be presented to the reader a few poems by the present day Negro.
A GARLAND OF PBAYEB
By 'Blouse Bibb-Thompson.
Amid the stress of daily life,
Its cares, success, and its strife,
I would repair
To Thee, O God, and at Thy feet
I'd lay, with all its perfume sweet,
A wreath of prayer.
Today my only thought shall be
A aealousness in loving Thee —
The Elder flower.
And to this chaplet I shall bind
The energy of soul and mind.
Thus hour by hour.
Tomorrow, in my garland fair,
111 twine Devotion deep and* rare —
The Heliotrope.
Though oft the tempter hover near,
In Thee, so faifhful and so dear.
Shall be my hope.
No virtue. Lord, is loved by Thee
More than a spotless Chastity —
The Orange flower.
Ill weave my thoughts while I shall live
Without a stain, if Thou wilt give
Thy grace and power.
And I would have my garland bear
The fragrant bloom of Meekness fair—*
l^e Lilac wild.
My soul cdiall then receive from Thee
A perfect peace, for I shall be
Thy numble child.
And thus each day shall be my care
To add another flower of prayer.
Until complete.
When fairest are my flowers all
Then may my spirit hear Thy call
At Mercy's seat.
DO WE BEMEMBEB
Bt WiLUAM Naun Bioks, of San Fbanoisoo.
Full fifty years have passed away.
Tea, fif^ years have day by day
Fulfilled the laws of destiny
And passed into elemity.
Hear yoa the dram throughout the l«df ^.^.^.^^^ byGoOglc
268 THE NEGRO TBAIL BLAZEBS
Old dnuiis, which know the master hmnd,
Whose fervent practice for this day
Has swept the fift^ years awajf
These souls, whose darkened chambers keep
The key where memories lie deep
And break all the bonnds this dky,
To live this thirtieth of May.
With tattered flags and dream-fired gait,
(Impatient if the line shoold wait),
Come men who fifty years ago
Were flashed with manhood's healthy glow.
Not less today; but fifty years
Haye brought conditions fraught with tears,
For some are poor and all are old;
But hearts as true, as brave, as bold
Beat underneath those coats of blue,
As when in youth they dared to do
The bidding of their soul for right.
How bravely now they face the might.
Do we remember why they fought f
Have we from them their vision caught f
Does Liberty stand out as clear f
Is Freedom to our hearts as dearf
If not, this thinning line of blue
Proclaims to us to our trust untrue.
If we forget their sacrifice
We stand disgraced before their eyes.
Let Freedom true our land embrace,
That we, like them, the grave may face
In conscious pride of work well done.
To keep Old Olory in the sun.
The following poem is also from the pen of Mr. Bicks, who is one of the most
popular Negro poets today in California:
A GBEETING AND A WISH FOB EABTEB
I would that from out our lives
The winter of sorrow and sickness
And misunderstandings would pass;
That the marvel of the spring.
The resurrection of Light, perfect light.
And the sunshine of Love, perfect love,
For all God's creation would come
As the spring brings grass softly.
TO AN OLD FBIEND
By William Naxtn Bioks.
I did not know in long-past years
How full the way might be of tears —
How great the need before the end
Of one true heart like yours, my friend.
And joy of youth, all foolish, lies
Around our hearts to blind our eyes;
But time removes the gaudy veil
And shows the friend who will not fail.
Today I search the past years through,
Contrasting old things with the new.
And through each pathway to the end
I found your footprints, dear old friend.
And so, my friend, with faith secure.
What years may bring I can endure;
Because I know your loving heart
Of joy or pain will share a part.
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IT MATTEB8 MUCH
Bt Pbofbssoe Chasles Alexanbbb.
It matters little where I was bom,
Or if my parents were rich or poor;
Whether they shrank at the cold world's scorn
Or walked in the pride of wealth secore.
But whether I live an honest man
And hold my integrity firm in my dutch,
I tell you, brother, plain as I am,
It matters much.
There is no more popular Negro poetess in the United States than Mrs. Era Garter
Buckner.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A NEGBOt
Bt Eya Cabtbb Buoknxr, of Los Anselis.
When the first slave-ship was landed
With its cargo on this side,
There was then no vexing question
As to which race he's allied;
Just a Negro, pure and simple.
And as such might have remained,
But — well, here we drop the subject.
For there is nothing to be gained.
Years have passed, and now we see him
On him's turned the strongest light;
Every race is represented —
Black, brown, yellow, red, and white;
And they call him now a problem.
For there's One not been consulted
And in it He is involved.
There's rise and fall of Nations,
But, dispute it if you can.
There is just one Qod and Father
And the brotherhood of man.
Ten-tenths blood of pure Caucasian,
This it takes to make you white.
But one drop of Negro blood is
Just the same, as black as night
For this stamp was put upon him
And so let it thus remain.
For what is the use contendingf
All contentions are in vain.
It is said ten million Negroes
On this firm free land doth stand.
God inspires him to mount upward
Though chains bind both foot and hand.
Bead his crimes in boldest letters,
Negro, and no question then;
'And we own him, our heads bowing.
Grieved to know we have such men.
On the other hand turning,
We can point with pride to those
Who thought it worth while in striving.
And to fame and honor rose.
Dumas, known as the French nov'list.
He his Negro blood could trace;
Tanner^ artist known so widely.
Who has won himself a place.
Yes, and there is the "Black Napoleon,"
Brace "Tonssaint L'Ouverture,"
And the great Edmonia Lewis,
Sculptress, whose work will endure, digitized by CiOOgle
270 THE NBGBO TRAIL BLAZBES
And we elaim S. Ooleridge Taylor;
Dunbar, though he's dead still lives;
Booker Wadiington we all know.
For the race his best thoughts gives;
Bishop Grant, in sermons, lectures;
Dubois, John H. Jackson, true;
Chestnut, Vernon, trace 'em; Pushkin,
Browning, many others, too.
Great Borne had her gladiators,
And of them was very proud;
We care nothing for the prize-ring
But, since it has been allowed,
' Why not then applaud the winner,
Whether white or dusky manf
The survival of the fittest
Is the rule, and it will stand.
Call him Ishmaelite or Arab,
Paraphrase him, if you will;
Say £g3rptian, if more pleasing.
But he is a Negro stilL
This would be a grander Nation
With the goodness that's innate.
It would be a perfect haven —
But the prejudice — ^too great.
But, there, friends,
Join ua in life's great combat.
Though your skin be dark, what matter f
You're a mim, e'en for all that;
And we are using every effort
To make good where e'er we trod,
One hand with the flag a-waving.
And the other stretched to Ghod.
Mrs. Buckner has also permitted the writer to publish her favorite poem:
IF LINCOLN COULD BETTTEN TODAY
If Lincoln could return today,
I wonder what he'd think and say
About this great and glorious land
O'er which he once had full command f
With all the progress he would see,
I know he would astonished be.
The lightning speed of which we boast,
A touch, a sound from coast to coast;
The clearly, distinct spoken words,
Ships sailhig through the air like birds;
Numerous inventions, small and great,
Too many to enumerate.
With all these things so strange and new,
I'm sure he'd scarce know what to do.
And, like a wanderer on the strand,
A stranger in his own homeland —
Until he 'd look around and see
That same old flag of liberty.
I wonder then if he 'd recall
The greatest deed he did for all.
And that if he would sorry be
That he had set the captives freef
Ah, yes, the world knows it was he.
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270A
SERGT. CHARLES RAYMOND ISUM
3«>5th Infantry, First Battalion, Medical Dept. 92nd Division,
National Army, World's War.
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270B
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
LIEUT. EUGEn^E LUCAS
Company A, 368th Infantry, 92nd Division,
National Army, World's War.
PERSONNEL INTELLIGENCE SERGEANT
HENRY M. BROOKS
3."0th Machine Gun Battalion, 92nd Division.
Map Maker. National Army, World's War.
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OP CALIFORNIA 271
But 'twas a miglitier hand^ yon see.
Guided the pen. 'Twas so to be
That all his Jegaey might share
What you and I love best, free air;
And, too, his knowing eye could see
That, to advance, all must be free.
And Nature says, and it is true,
To crush the one we crush the two.
And all who love their country true
Love Lincoln's name, naught else to do.
And, 01 could he take one survey —
I wonder what he'd think and sayf
ONLY BE 8TB0NG
By John H. Allen.
Beprodueed from the Paeifie Appeal.
In ancient days when Israel trod the way
To God's promised land.
Temptations, sin and death strove night and day
. To cheat the band;
But God stood with them, 'gainst the heathen's ire;
His presence kept them as a wall of fire.
And when the mighty host from Jordan's shore
With rapturous gaz6
Faintly beheld the promised land of yore,
Through the thickening haze
Joshua, the Captain, stood gazing sad and long.
And silent voices whispered:
"Only be strong."
01 Ethiopia, my own beloved race.
Dispel thy fears,
Heed not the gathering mist, the dark disgrace,
The gloom of years;
'Tis true, 'tis true, tho' I cannot tcU thee why.
But the battle's the hardest when the victory's nigh.
So, onward, upward to a higher plane,
O'ercome the foes;
Forget old £g3rpt, her ways disdain,
Her deaSy throes;
And through the Jordan thou must go, O! valiant throng I
But go like men, God whispers;
"Only be thou strong."
HarysviUe, GaUfomia, August 6, 1903.
The following poems were written by Charles Alexander and were published in
The Lot Angeles Times:
MY KIND OF MAN
I like the man who will go to the bat,
And will take of his coat, and throw off his hat;
Who will roll up his sleeves, and spit on his hands,
And hit at the ball just as hard as he can.
Hit at it, I say, never mind if he miss;
Never mind if the crowd will hollow and hiss.
I like the man who will enter the race
Unwavering, resolve shining out of his face;
Who will shirk not, nor falter, but will strive for the goal.
Showing courage and patience when nearing the shoal;
For courage and patience are big bits of grace.
And the man who will claim them may yet win the race./^^^^^T^
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272 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
I like the man who will pick up his load.
Who will start with a rush on his way up the road;
Who will risk every peril he finds on the way.
And say in his heart: "Every debt I will pay."
For that sort of a man unheeds the world's lust —
But that sort of man is worthy of trust.
I like the man who is gentle and kind,
Who will show by example the true master mind;
Who knows of the feeling of poverty's pineh
And will stand out for right, every foot, every ineh.
For that sort of man is the man of the hour;
He has in his soul Gk>d's fire and power.
MY MOTHER'S OUSTABD PIE
You may talk about the eooking
niey do in Italy;
And the kind the Frenchman
Sets before his company;
Of the German's toast and "weinies,"
Or the English mutton-chop.
But there is one thing to remember
That will start you on the hop;
It's delicious, it is luscious,
It will brighten up your eye;
It is like a view of heaven —
That is mother's custard pie.
You have had poetic dreaming,
With it's rapturous vision rare;
You have known the potent blessing
Of that swiftly-vanished care;
You have felt ecstatic heavings
In your big and noble heart.
And have felt the pangs of sorrow
When your dearest friend would part.
But your joys are without number —
You can stand the severing tie,
If you know you 11 have a portion
Of my mother's custard pie.
It will take one slice, I tell you,
To dissipate the gloom.
And to start an agitation,
Like the buzzing of a loom.
It will bring delights and pleasures
You have never known before;
It will make you feel like hanging
'Bound about our kitchen door.
Yes, indeed, I know the feeling.
You 11 be ready then to die.
If, for once, you get a-plenty
Of my mother's custard pie.
The following is quoted from an address delivered by Prof. Alexander before the
Board of supervisors of the Los Angeles County upon the question of accepting the
resignation of the nurses who had threatened to strike if Negro girls were admitted 'to
the County Hospital. The speaker was one of the committee, and his address, as here
given, is quoted irom the Citieen Advocate, He said:
"Mr. Chairman: I am of the opinion that if this Board of Supervisors will main-
tain an inexorable position on this question, that the reformation will be of sueh weight
and splendid character as to be beneficial to all classes of institutions all over the
country. It is for some one community to take a stand like this, even though somebody
has to suffer, — of course, in all these great movements, there is some suffering to some-
body. When we elose our saloons the bartenders are all put out of jobs — and if you
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•ngmge in anything that is going to bring about a reformation for people, yon are going
to have some difficulty; and if these people really do walk out, it wiH probably be a
very good thing for Los Angeles, in arousing the patriotism of the people here, and
demonstrating whether or not they really want democracy. I think it would be a
splendid thing for them to walk out. It certainly would not be a good thing for the
Board of Supervisors to rescind its order for a few people at the hospital."
An address was delivered by Hon. James M. Alexander of Los Angeles on the
occasion of the visit of the then President of the United States of America, the Hon.
President William Howard Taft, when he addressed the colored people of Los Angeles,
California, at Blanchard Hall, Monday afternoon, October 16, 1911. This occasion was
afforded the colored citizens through the combined efforts of Mr. Alexander, as president
of the Afro- American Council, and Prof. E. L. Chew, together with a large and most
efficient committee of representative professional and business men of the race living
in Los Angeles.
On this occasion the master of ceremonies, on behalf of the colored citizens of Los
Angeles, presented the then President of the United States, Hon. William Howard Taft,
with a Gold Card in commemoration of the occasion. This address is now a part of the
history of Los Angeles, and is herein quoted:
''Mr. President: In coming to this hall this afternoon you have highly honored
the colored citizens of not only Los Angeles but the State of California, and the Nation.
And we beg to assure you that in no place on your long trip will you find more loyal
people.
"The colored people are interested in all of the problems that confront the Nation
and are keenly watching the methods proposed for their solution. Tour wise statesman-
ship has impressed us and we are looking to you to assist in bettering, as far as you can,
the conditions surrounding us.
"We are aware of the fact that, in a great measure, our success depends upon our-
selves, but we are forced to admit, that many obstacles in the shape of personal
ostracism and discriminating legislation, lie in our pathway to full development. The
best there is in us cannot be obtained under present conditions.
"We have learned that the Government is powerful enough to control offending
corporate interests and we sincerely hope and fervently pray, that problems of social
or political order, especially those problems affecting so large a portion of our people,
may be so effectually worked out to the end that the humblest citizen in every section
of this great Nation may enjoy every right and privilege guaranteed by the organic
law of tiie land.
"Believing that your desire is to see us in the full enjoyment of all our rights,
and that, whenever possible, you will give us the benefit of your assistance, the Afro-
American Council of Los Angeles has commissioned me to present to you in their behalf
this tablet, as a testimonial of its appreciation for your recognition of the attainments
of the Negro race."
It wiU be well to here state something of the Afro-American Council. It is an
organization purely of California race men who, some twenty or more years ago, banded
themselves together to fight for the advancement of the Negro race in this State. Once
a year they hold a Congress, when representatives from the different Councils over the
State meet in session. During these annual sessions the wives of the members of the
Councils hold a fair, exhibit&g their handiwork for the encouragement of the race
while the Congress is discussing the grievances of the race and also the advancements.
They have their own charter and own property in Los Angeles to the value of fifteen
thousand dollars. They intend some day to build a hall upon the plot of land for th'
use of the race.
"Los Angeles, April 4, 1918.
"Hon. Emmett J. Scott, Special Assistant Secretary War Department, Washington, D. C.
"Dear Sir: Kindly permit me to accept with thanks the honor you have vouch-
safed me in tendering me the position on the Speaker's Bureau of the War Department.
in your division. Every American! citizen, be he of whatever race, creed or national
derivation, should be a warm supporter of the United States in this great war for
World's Democracy and no citizen more so than the American Negro. To him, in an
especial manner, an appeal to arms for Liberty should have an especial significance
and should possess all of the qualities of a command.
' ' The spirit of patriotism that actuated him to become a colossal figure in the Civil
War which resulted in the manumission of four million of his brethem again should
aetnate him; a war equally as Holy and more sweeping in its results for Human Free-
dom. There can be no World Democracy which does not include thei races of darker
integument: there can be no World Democracy that fails to affect favorably the present
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274 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
■tatuB of the Negro in the American sun. This is so logical, that to deny or combat it
would be irrational and, when Peace is attained by the Allies, will be its best argument
for the perpetuation of a World's Democracy for which they fought and won.
' ' Out of this war will come new conditions, new lines of thought and a new
i^iritual direction. Every soldier who has been abroad fighting for Human Liberty;
who, in the presence of death, communed with his soul and who has survived this great
struggle for a World's Democracy, will return to his country a missionary for new
conditions of faith and practice. There shall be no excuse, no shame for a Democracy
charged with race discrimination; no carping criticism, no finger of scorn pointed at us
by the Central Powers when we lay claim to be an exempli^ Democracy for all the
world.
* * The world will be better because of this war, and if the white American be first to
fill the trenches, first to sail beneath the seas, and first to soar through the starry
night, it is not because the Blackman was reluctant, but because of restricted oppor-
tunity, and God takes cognizance of all these things: This war is educational; it has
the conscience of men in training; it is drawing men closer to God and doser to each
other, and when such time comes, Ho sees fit to give us peace, it will be a lasting anr*
universal peace.
"Yours very sincerely,
"(Signed) Whjiam E. Easton,
"National Representative All American League of Oalifomia."
"War Department, Washington, April 16, 1918.
"Mr. William E. Easton, National Bepresentative All American League of Calif omia,
Los Angeles.
"Dear Mr. Easton: Thank you for your letter dated April 4, expressing your viewa
with reference to the great war for world democracy. The sentiment expressed by you is
altogether worthy, and I am pleased to have you write me in this stridn. Let me also
thank you for your acceptance of the invitation to serve as a member of the Speaker's
Bureau.
"Yours very sincerely,
"(Signed) Eicmett J. Soott,
"Special Assistant, Secretary of War."
The following address was delivered by Mrs. Lydia Flood-Jackson before the State
Federation of Colored Women's Clubs at their session held in Los Angeles in 1918. It
is really a historical paper and hence it is reproduced in this department:
"Madam President, Officers and Members of the Calif omia State Federation of Colored
Women's Clubs, Greeting:
"Isolation will never develop a beautiful character, for character finds life and
growth in contact with the world. After another year of conscientious striving up the
path that leads to the higher walks of life we meet each other again in unity and
friendship, bringiug from our different homes, clubs and localities feelings of love and
good cheer and recognizing God as our great protector and only source of supply.
"Dear ones, today we are standing on the threshold of a great era lookmg Into
futurity to the mid-day sun of Democracy. Demorcacy, the all-absorbing topic of the
times, must hold our closest attention. We must advance to the firing line and stand
shoulder to shoulder with our leaders and go with them over the top.
"Who can break through a phalanx of determined, noble-minded, upright women,
backed by the power of the Holy Spirit f Suffrage stands out as one of the component
factors of Democracy; Suffrage is one of the the most powerful levers by which we
hope to elevate our women to the highest planes of life. None need be negligent or
afraid to enter this great field of service that offers so much for the earnest, con-
scientious worker. The harvest is white. Women, what are we doing to glean this
ripened field f Wjiat use are we making of the ballot f Lucretia Mott, Susan B. Anthony
and Elizabeth Cady Stanton saw by an eye of faith this gleaming field sixty years ago,
and their determination, true judgment and executive ability has made it possible for
you and me to sit in the shade of the Suffrage Oak, a grand old tree, whose branches
will soon top every State in the Union.
"And what are we doing, comrades f We are working with every increasing
interest which is bringing us into recognition more and more in the political arena,
which this year has especially encouraged us to work more ardently in our different
clubs. A few weeks ago the club women of Oakland had an opportunity to test thia
fact of the importance of our influence and our vote, at a tea given by the Imperial
Art and Literary Club at the home of Dr. Mehrman, the Public Administrator. We were
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OP CALIPOENIA 275
pleased to have with us Superior Jndge Qainn, District Attorney Ezra Decoto, Assessor
Kelly, the CThief of the Detective Bureau and others, all of them recognizing the fact
that every woman present had a voice for or against them at the polls on the 27th of
August. In Union there is strength. • • • Our women all over the State are inter-
ested in all the departments of war work and are making good. The fight for
Democracy has been a wonderful incentive to our women to work as they have never
worked before. Xiet the good work go on, and look to the Father of all good and
perfect gifts for results.
' ' (Signed) Ltdia Flood- Jackson. * '
This lady is the daughter of the first colored school teacher in California, Mrs.
E. T. S. Flood, who opened the first school for colored children in Sacramento, and later
established a school for colored children in Oakland. Mrs. Jackson, like her mother, is
actively engaged in every movement for the betterment of the race. She has traveled
extensively, visiting Mexico and South America. She is the originator of the Flood
toilet preparation now being manufactured in this State, a fine lady and one whom
everybody likes and respects.
This paper is reproduced from an article which api>eared in the Citisfen Advocate
under date of OctobeH 19, 1918. It said: ''The Nurse Training School again. Special
conference of Supervisors on Nurse Training problem. Noble attitude of Chairman
John J. Hamilton showing him just. Attorney Ceruti makes strong appeal for Fair
play. Dodge would dodge the issue." The article then gives in detail the address
and fight made before the Supervisors on the question of the nurses striking if Negro
girls were admitted. The part of special interest to the race is the wonderful addresses
delivered by Attorney Ceruti and Prof. Alexander, which appear in this chapter. Mr.
Ceruti 's address is as follows:
"I want to first speak in defense of the Federal Government. I listened to the
order respecting the training of nurses that came from Washington and I assume that
if they are miJung calls for white volunteers to train as nurses, they have a sound
reason and based on true principles. I am not willing to assume that the Washington
Government is in favor of class privilege; that they are ignoring colored volunteers
because they are colored. There might be some economical reason why the order reads
that way. In further confirmation of that view doubtless, gentlemen, you have received
a communication from the California Women's Committee of the Council of National
Defense, of which Mrs. Seward A. Simons is secretary, and it is addressed to the
Honorable Board of Supervisors, in which they urge: 'As colored men are being asked
to serve the country as soldiers and as the Women's Committee has been asked to
enlist women in the student nurse reserves, and as a number of colored women have
already responded to the call, we urge that the training schools for nurses throughout
the State be asked to accommodate colored women as student nurses.'
"Neither the sentiment of the public nor the Federal Government are in sympathy
with that fine sense of discrimination which these nurses choose to exercise and which
they try to bring to bear in the attempt to set up class privilege out at the county
hospital. That is to say that no one has a right to train at that public institution,
supported by the people of this county, unless he belongs to their class. No, that posi-
tion is indefensible and should not be tolerated for a minute. I am a stranger to the
institution and cannot be expected to know the conditions, nor to improvise nor to
direct, nor to manage, such as either one of you gentlemen have. Each one of you has
had more experience than I have had. There are — if I am mistaken in the exact num-
ber you need not correct me, because I am only assuming certain things not to be
accurate — ^there are about one hundred and eighty nurses out tlwre, we will say; and
about one hundred of those have indicated that they will resign. It is my belief that
they will not do so. Experience all over the country tells us that they will not do so.
The most aristocratic institution in the country, perhaps, is Vassar College. Twenty
years ago they had the same problem that you have here today. A young colored lady
was admitted by the faculty and the student body, supported by their parents, indicated
that they would go out. The college stood firm and not a student left. For twenty
years after that the proudest girls' school in the United States has been accepting
colored girls. The incident is duplicated and multiplied aU over the country. It Is a
question of whether you are going to cowardly back down. If they win this, they will
win in every other fight.
"Now let's see whether we have a real desire to solve the problem or not; that is
the question. We can 't expect people who are lukewarm and who really are antagonistic
to the orders of the Board to devise means of carrying it out. Are the executive officers
willing to carry it outf Now this is the question that perhaps these people ought to
decide for themselves. If they find themselves out of harmony with the order and not
276 THE NEOBO TRAIL BLAZEBS
able to cany it oat for personal reaeona, then it is ap to them. It ia a matter of pro-
fessional conscience with them as to what they onght to do, bnt if this situation aroae
on any other question, what would this Board dof What would those executive offieers
of the hospital dof Suppose the girls had said: 'Now we have been receiving only
$10 a month; we demand $50 a month, or we walk out.' Under such a condition the
Board would receive and consider the proposition, measure it \>j the rule of reason,
and, if that demand was unreasonable, this Board would say, 'Go.'
''Now we have a similar situation only it is more vitaL It is a more sacred princi-
ple than mere dollars and cents. It is a principle that we are fighting for. It is
worth more than dollars to us. It is the prhiciple that we are fighting for in Franeet
that we are fighting for at this table today. It is the same principle-democracy; and
if we can sacrifice millions of lives in France for a principle, we can sacrifice a few
inconveniences or perhaps even a few deaths in the county hospital, if they choose to
walk out, for the same principle.
"Now that is the fair, honest, honorable attitude of this Board. These women
who would walk out because colored girls come in and claim the same privilege as
they, are Huns at heart."
Speech delivered by John Wesley Coleman, on the presentation of the American
Flag to the Independent Church of Christ, Los Angeles, California, August 18, 1918:
"My dear Dr. Greggs, Officers and Members of the Independent Church of Christ
and Friends: The ref^ar religious services of this great edifice are permitted to
be suspended this evening for a minute or two, while we give over to the care and
keeping of this great membership the Colors of our country. This Flag was presented
to those of our race who answered the call of their country in the ^cond Selective
Draft, and who have gone forward to meet the discipline of the cantonment and the
training of eye and hand and heart that they shall receive by way of preparation for
the great struggle beyond the seas; whereupon a glorious battlefield the freedom of
which this Flag is an emblem is to be saved from traitorous assaults of a ruthless and
barbarous autocracy.
"Upon this Flag is to be enrolled the names of those of our brave boys who were
called from Los Angeles and vicinity the first four days of August, 1918. This Flag
was presented to thein by John C. Cline, the High Sheriff of this great and prosperous
County, and was accepted by them as a token of the unity of all the citizens of this
great commonwealth in the preservation of the principles which underlie our institu-
tions, and which. make us a great and united people.
"This is the Flag of Freedom; it represents the most forward step in political and
religious freedom that has ever been taken by any nation or any people in the known
annals of the world; it represents every church of whatever denomination in the United
States; it represents the right of all people to vote and choose their own leaders, ofil-
cials and men of public affairs; it represents every school and college of our broad land,
where enlightenment is widespread and free to the studious and energetic; this Flag
represents all of the libraries, parks and playgrounds, the driveways, the boulevards,
the mountain roads and the paths that wind through valleys and over hills of our
great and glorious country; this Flag represents our great system of transportation
running like a network across this broad continent, under the rivers and through the
mountains, by tunnels, across canyon, by bridges that are feats in engineering; it
represents the steamships, the lighthouses that guard them as they ply the inland
waters and fight their way across the sea; it represents the massive and tremendous
Panama Canal and all of the factories and shipyards and rolling mills and docks and
foundries and business houses of the American people.
"What a glorious Flag indeed, indicative of the bravery that upheld it since the
Battle of Bunker Hillt Indicative of the Freedom it brought to four million of our
ancestors under Grant and Sherman, with Abraham Lincoln, the great Martyr, their
Commander-in-Chief; indicative of the songs we have sung and of prayers we have
prayed; of the determination that lies in the breath of every true American to uphold
it forever and a day; for the realizatipn of all the ideals of our republican institu-
tions and that our Glory and Freedom may be enjoyed by us and handed down to our
posterity unimpaired, on to remotest time; and that it shiUl be, we truly know, for it is
unfurled and upheld by the Army of the United States, whose skins are red and
white and black, but whose courage and devotion are as true and fixed as the eternal
principles which flow from the throne of Qod,
' ' So we, the Pastor and Members of the Independent Church of Christ, and Citizens
of Los Angeles City and County, accept this Flag with sincere gratitude, for we
remember how a little more than fifty years ago, we having been in bondage for
nearly two hundred and fifty years, God in his all-wise Providence, saw iM^ilo look
OP CALIFORNIA 277
down and pity the suffering condition imposed npon as hj oar hard taskmasters and
in answer to the prayers of our forefathers and mothers, He caused, by the stroke of
the pen of Abraham Lincoln, to emancipate, under the colors of this Flag, and set free,
breaking the shackles of four million slaves; turning us loose without, as it were, a
penny in our pockets, and that God, having continued to hold the hand of mercy over
OS enabled us to begin to ferret out our own destiny. So we began at once to pattern
after the white man until today we find ourselves in possession of hoasea and lands,
schools and colleges, education and money that will compare favorably with a large
percentage of the white people. And if we use the proper precaution in taking
advantage of every opportunity that presents itself to us, we will, in the near future,
be enabled, together with all other dark races, no doubt, to conquer the world, and
then we shall remember that Biblical passage of scripture that says, 'Before the end
of time Ethiopia shall stretch forth her wings over this broadcast land.'
"So let these few scattering remarks take root deep down in our hearts that
they will cause us to get busy and take advantage of every opportunity that presents
itself to us. and it will cause us to grow and flourish as a green bay tree, and that the
roots will have grown down and taken such a deep hold that when Johnny comes
home from the war and the floodgates of foreign immigration have poured into thip
country by the thousands from all over the world in the next few years, we will have
risen so high in the estimation of those whom we are dependent apon for support, the
soldier boy, or that foreign immigration, or any other will be unable to do us harm.
And when all the battles of races will have been fought and victory won on our side
we will be enabled to cry with a loud voice, as one of the prophets of old, and say, 'O
Lordy we have seen Thy glory and now we are ready to be offered up.' 'Let us then be
up and doing, With a heart for any fate. Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor,
and to wait.' So the 'Lives of great men oft remind us. We can make our lives sublime,
andy departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time.' "
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CHAPTER XXI
The Negbo Soldieb
The Southern Workman, under date of January, 1918, eontained the following
quotation from the New York Times: "Like a pathetic romance runs the story of our
soldiers in black. Too little has been told about them by the writers of American
History. A better understanding between the races might have long ago materialized
had a page or two here and there from the musty old Government reports and official
war records, long buried in the dustiest comers of the big libraries, been inserted in
the text books on American History, giving the Negroes' part in the Nation's Wars."
The writer deems it befitting to quote the above, especially when speaking of the
Negro soldiers of California during the pioneer days and the present-day Negro soldiers
of California now serving in the World War.
The spirit of the times has directed our thoughts, writings and daily living to the
study of war and Military Morale. It is impossible to eliminate the subject, try as
we will. Since such is the case, it is befitting that we study the different types of
soldiers now engaged in the present world war, beginning with the Negro.
The Negro solder has been employed in the wars of the Unit^ States since
Colonial times. It was during the early Colonial wars that so many free Negroes and
slaves fought in the Continental Army. Slavery, at that period in the colonies, was
different from what it was after the Declaration of Independence^ when it developed
into a commercial industry. During Colonial days the Negro slaves were brought into
closer contact with their masters, and given some educatiomU advantages and permitted
to bear arms. This resulted in the Negro slaves often fighting in the Continental Army
by the side of their masters.
There were no organized regiments of Negroes until the British raised two Negro
regiments and placed them in service. Notwithstanding the fact that Negro soldiers,
fighting in the Continental Army, had proven their courage and fighting qualities, the
Colonies debated the advisability of arming the Negroes and making full soldiers of
them, whether slave or free. While they debated the question, the British continued
to enlist and organize Negro regiments and train Negroes as soldiers.
Historians never tire in speaking of the heroic death of the Negro Crispus Attueks,
who was the first person to lose his life in defense of the Colonies. They have almost
forgotten to mention the heroism of the Negro on Bunker Hill, by the name of Peter
Salem. The heroism of Negro soldiers in the Bevolutionary War is one of the most
romantic in the history of that great struggle, both with the British forces and the
Continental Army.
The -Continental Army did not decide to enlist Negro soldiers until after the
wonderful praise bestowed upon Negro troops by the French Gheneral La Fayette and
other French officers. Their praise of the courage, heroism and valor of the Negro
troops fighting within the ranks of the Continental Army led to a deeper consideration
of their worth and eventually to the New England States adopting a system whereby
they offered as compensation to the slave his freedom if he enlisted and fought the
common enemy. The records of the Continental Army, together with the writings of
General George Washington, will endorse this statement and also numerous words of
praise for the Negro soldiers by white officers serving over them. Thus we can truly
say with the poet who wrote of Crispus Attueks:
"Black, and a man of might.
He struck and fell for the right;
Tho' he himself was 'neath Freedom's ban,
He struck and died for his fellow man,
Not the Black man, but the White.
• •••••••
The blood of the Black and the blood of the White
Fomented a baptismal font for Freedom."
It was Toussaint L'Ouverture, the great Negro General of San Domingo, who, in
1800, after freeing the island from slavery and declaring its independence, issued a
proclamation which, among other things, said: "Sons of San Domingo, come home.
We never meant to take your homes or lands. The Negro only asks that liberty which
God g^ve him. Your houses await you, your lands are ready come and cultivate them."
And from Madrid and Paris, from Baltimore and New Orleans, the emkr^gplanters
OP CALIFORNIA 279
crowded home to enjoy their estates under a pledged word that was never broken.
''No retaliation" was the motto and rule of his life. It has been the rule and motto
of every Negro soldier ever since. Did not the Negro soldier pledge to himself "No
retaliation!" How could he, having fought in the Bevolutionary War and after the
war was successfully won for the colonies, silently march away to again return to the
shackles of a slave! If the Negro soldier did not carry in his heart the motto of that
greatest of Negro generals, Toussaint L'Ouverture, ''No retaliation," how could he
have fought in the Civil War of the United States for one year without pay! It was
that great Negro diplomat and statesman, the late Hon. Frederick Douglass, who,
President Lincoln says, repeatedly urged him to employ Negro soldiers to fight for
the Union. But, alas I after the Government decided to employ Negro soldiers, they
also told Mr. Douglass they would not pay them the same as the white soldiers. Mr.
Douglass, having confidence in the Negro, urged them to accept the opportunity to
fight and prove their courage and manhood and not to accept any pay if by so doing
they had to lower their standard as the equal of any other man on the battlefields.
The Negroes, taking his advice, fought like none other. They set their standard not
only for their own emancipation, but for unborn generations of Negroes, proving to
the world by their valor, heroism and courage that they were not cowards. Although
they had suffered for centuries as slaves, nevertheless they were men in the fullest
sense of the word.
The average reader is familiar with the story of the Negro Color-Bearer in the
famous 54th Massachusetts Begiment, who, when mortally wounded, exclaimed, while
dying: ''Colonel Shaw, the Old Flag never touched the ground I" This Negro soldier
lost his life, but he dignified and held as sacred his position as color-bearer of the
regiment. The martyred President Lincoln upon several occasions spoke of the Negro
soldiers. This was especially noted when he spoke at the Sanitary Fair, in Baltimore,
April 18, 1864. His address was on the meaning of the word "Liberty," but in the
nudst of his remarks he took Occasion to speak on the painful rumor concerning the
massacre of Negro troops at Fort Pillow, and said: "At the beginning of the war,
and for some time, the use of colored troops was not contemplated, and how the change
of purpose was wrought I will not now take time to explain. Upon a clear conviction
of duty, I resolved to turn that element of strength to account, and I am responsible
for it to the American people, to the Christian world, to history and in my final account
to God. Having determined to use the Negro as a soldier, there is no way but to give
him the protection given to other soldiers. * * * It is a mistake to supi>ose that
the Government is indifferent to this matter, or that it is not doing the best it can in
regard to it." At another time he made his words very clear when he said: "I was,
in my best judgment, driven to the alternative of either surrendering the Union and
with it the Constitution or of laying strong hands upon the colored element." The
United States Government did not surrender its Constitution and the records of the
Negro soldiers at Petersburg, Chapin's Farm, Hatcher's Bun and at Appomattox are
records of history and prove that the Negro soldier was worthy of the confidence
entrusted in him.
What was the attitude of the Negroes in California! Were they willing to go, if
called to the colors! They were not called, but enthusiasm ran high among the Negro
people then living in California, many of whom went east as body servants to white
army officers that they might be near the center of activities. There was a number
in the City of San Francisco who held meetings and opened an office and registered
their names in enlistment, forming a company and preparing themselves to serve the
Government if called. The following is an account of a few of their meetings.
Bealizing the pleasure to an old pioneer of reading such, the writer has deemed it
correct to quote them from a paper now in her possession, the only one in existence, in
which it said: "Pursuant to notice, a public meeting was held in Scott Street Hall
on Monday evening. Mr. Henry C. Cornish was appointed chairman and Louis N.
Bell, secretary. The call for the meeting was read by the secretary together with
spirited extracts from the Anglo-African relating to the Massachusetts 54^ Begiment
and the Fremont Legions. The proceedings of the previous meetings were read and
the resolutions passed at that meeting were unanimously adopted as the platform for
future operations.
"Mr. A. Furguson addressed the meeting and expressed his willingness to assist
in raising a company of colored soldiers in California and offer their services to the
United States Government for the purpose of aiding to subdue this unholy slave-
holding rebellion. He stated that a commencement had been made and a few names
enrolled* Mr. P. A. Bell read the names of those who would make the nucleus of a
Calif omia regiment. Digitized by ^.J^^v./vlv.
280 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
"Spirited and patriotic addresses were then made by Messrs. B. A. Hall, Mesehaw
and W. A. Hall. It was moved that a committee of three be appointed to correspond
with the leading colored men of California and others who may be friendly to the
project. The chairman reappointed the committee formed at the last meeting. Mrs.
Priscilla Stewart made a few remarks on the importance of onited action in the
present crisis." The names of the men who signed to form the first Negro regiment in'
California will head the list of Negro Army Officers who have served in the wars of
the United States Government and also those from California who won commissions
in the National Army and are now serving in France in this World War for Democracy
and the Liberty of the World.
After the Civil War had ended the enthusiasm of the colored men then living in
California was just as great to be prepared to serve the Government in the case of
another war. Their enthusiasm finally led to the forming of military eompwiies all
over the State. The first to organize and receive instructions was one which was
formed in Sacramento, in Mr. William Quinn's barber shop. After organising, they
decided to employ an ex-army officer to teach them military tactics. They secured the
services of Captain Crowell, who had seen service in the United States Anny and after
the Civil War was made postmaster of Sacramento, California. He instrusted this
company of colored recruits for a period of one year, at which time they decided that
they were competent to make a public appearance. They called themselves the
*' Sacramento Zouaves." The names of the officers of this company will be found alto
in the list of Negro Army Officers.
Their first public appearance was at the emancipation celebration held in
Sacramento, January 1, 1868. The parade was headed by a white band and, just before
it started, Uie company was presented with a silk flag by the daughter of Lieut. Gaolt.
The Sacramenio Zouaves made their first out-of-town appearance in San Francisco,
where they were the guests of the "Branan Guards," another colored military company.
This company was fSianced by the Hon. Sam Branan of San Francisco, after which
the colored people named it in his honor. There were other military companies in
San Francisco, namely, the "Lincoln Invincibles" and Uie "Bichmond Blues," but
the writer has not been able to procure any data concerning their organizations.
These different Negro military organizations were rivals in everything except the
celebration of the Emancipation Proclamation. The first celebration of the kind was
held in the City of San Francisco, when the preliminary proclamation was issued.
This celebration was held in Piatt's Hall, and Bev. Thomas Starr King addressed the
Negro people, notwithstanding he was ill and his physician had forbidden his leaving
his bed. He made the address, went home and rapidly developed diphtheretic sore
throat and died. His death was a great loss to everyone in California and especially
to the Negro race. He is often spoken of as the one man who did more than any
other to keep California in the Union. He traveled up and down the State, delivering
lectures and encouraging patriotism. The State honored him with a Military funeral
and also named one of their giant Bedwood trees after him in memory of his las^ng
services to the State in her trying hour. After the Emancipation Proclamation was
an actual law, the colored people held many great celebrations in the different
churches. These different affairs were addressed by such orators as Bishop T. M. D.
Ward and Bev. J. B. Sanderson. The orations of these men are a rich legacy to give
to the Present-Day Negro of California.
The Civil War having passed into history, the next war of importance in which
the United States Government took a part was the Spanish-American War. The
American soldier of the African race served all during this war in the Cuban interven-
tion. There were many who served as officers with Negro regiments. These men won
honorable medals for bravery and heroism during battles, especially the one on San
Juan Hill and at El Caney. Many of these men, since retirement, have located in
CaUfomia and their sketches will be found in this chapter.
The United States Army employed in this campaign the Begular troops of Negro
soldiers known as the 24th and 25th Infantry and the Ninth and Tenth Cava^,
together with the 9th Immunes, 8th Illinois and the 23rd Kansas Begiments. The
last two were officered throughout by negroes, the other regiments only having non-
commissioned officers of the Negro race, notwithstanding these regiments had years
of service in fighting the Indians on the frontiers. The regiments officered by Negroes
gave a good account of themselves to the extent that it is a part of the history of
that mighty struggle.
Becently there appeared in the Army and Navy Jaumdl an article in defense of
the Negro soldier. Among other things it said: *'The class of colored men that join
the army is vastly different from the class of colored men that cause all the racial
disturbances throughout the South. The colored soldiers are nm^iMi %i|fe |p^Jlftt.a»d
OF CALIFORNIA 281
aspirations. They have to be to be allowed to enlist. They constitute, in the opinion
of the writer, the pick of the colored men of this country who have been for financial
reasons unable to attend any of the colored schools and colleges in their home States."
This white writer who, as an army officer of the United States Army had personally
come in contact with the Negro soldiers, formed a true estimate of the caliber of the
average Negro soldier.
Spanish is the language of the Cubans, which necessitated the United States
Oovemment employing interpreters. Among the number was a member of the Tenth
Cavalry by the name of Oscar Hudson. At the end of his enlistment he studied law
and, coming to California, finally located in San Francisco where he now represents the
Ldberian Government at that port. He enjoys a large-paying practice, principally of
Spanish people. He is an usher and a member of the Publicity Committee for Northern
California Christian Science Church and, at this writing, is the treasurer of the
Sixth Christian Science (white) Church of San Francisco. The writer is citing this from
the sketch of Mr. Hudson to prove the statement of the white army officer when he
said that the Negro soldier is a superior Negro to be allowed to enlist, and to also
show the kind of Negro soldiers the United States Government honors with commis-
sions. Mr, Hudson is a self-made man, his parents having left him an orphan when
quite young. The United States Government, under the leadership of the then
Commander-in-Chief of the Army, President McKinley, decided to reward the Negro
soldiers, both non-commissioned and commissioned officers, together with the enlisted
men who had won meritorious records in the Spanish-American War. The method
used to reward these men was to organize two regiments of Negro Volunteers and officer
them with these men. Acting upon the recommendation of the President, the War
Department organized these two Negro regiments. The number of officers were
selected by quota from each State. The men, when appointed, were and are still proud
of their commissions because they were signed by the immortal President McKinley.
It has often been stated that Negroes would not make good officers and that
Negroes would not obey their own men. In an effort to secure the exact truth of
the services rendered by these men in the Philippine Insurrection, the writer addressed
a letter to one of the officers serving with one of these volunteer Negro regiments in
this campaign. The following is quoted from the reply of Captain Crumbly: "It has
been said throughout the press and from the platform throughout the Nation • • *
that our race would not be respectful and obedient to one another. The experience of
the commissioned officers of the race who served during the war with Spain and in the
Philippine Insurrection in the Volunteer Army of the United States, shows that this is
not the truth of the matter. The soldiers of the Immune Regiments and the famous
48th and 49th Infantry were colored men and the record of those regiments compared,
show that these troops under colored officers made as high mark in efficiency as any
body of troops in any part of the army, whether regular or volunteers. Commanding
generals serving with our troops across the Atlantic and Pacific all testify to their
excellency; Brigadier General Bell is credited with having said that the army never
had a more efficient organization than the 49th Infantry and deplored its having to
leave his district to return to the United States for muster out. * * * Every
officer of those regiments is proud of the records made and stands ready at all times
to assure the people who think otherwise that our men can obey, and that we can
command; that our people are capable of the highest development and to prove this
an opportunity is all that is needed.'' Capt. Floyd Crumbly kindly furnished the
writer with the names of all the officers who were commissioned in these two volunteer
regiments. It remained for this, the present World War, to give to the Negro race the
opportunity to prove to the world that they could command. Their first opportunity
was when General Pershing was ordered into Mexico with a punitive expedition of
United States soldiers. This expedition was composed of all the Negro regiments
connected with the regular army, namely, the 25th and 24 Infantry, and the 9th and
10th Cavalry. It also contained many white regiments of both Ihies of the service.
Hie white regiments remained to guard the border while the Negroes proceeded int-o
Mexico with General Pershing.
The 10th Cavalry was in command of that splendid West Point graduate Negro
officer, Lieut.-Colonel Charles Young (now Colonel). This officer had been called by
the, War Department back to the United States from Liberia, Africa, where he was
representing this Government as Military Attache. Upon his arrival in the United
States he was given orders to command troops with the expedition then going into
Mexico. The reader will readily recall the splendid record made by the 10th Cavalry
while in Mexico. The first mention of any actual fighting with the Mexicans was
when the Mexican army fired on a detachment of Negro soldiers in command of Captain
Morey. In this engagement ten Negro cavalrymen lost their lives and Captain Morey
282 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
was severely wounded. Soon after this the Army and Navy Journal contained «n
article bespeaking the praise and loyalty of the Negro soldier. Among other things it
said: "l^ere are thousands of instances that could be mentioned showing the
absolute loyalty of the colored troops in peace and war. Oolored soldiersi have given
their lives for their oflcers and other white men. One instance was in the fight of the
10th Cavalry in Mexico during the last Pershing expedition, when three enUsted men
refused to leave Captain Morey after he had been wounded, and they did not go until
he had ordered them to do so. That is merely one instance out of many." And yet
there was another instance occurring almost at the same date with another detachment
of Negro soldiers under command of Lieut.-Colonel Young, who arrived in time to
save General Dodd and his men from annihilation by a force of Mexican bandits who
were attacking them at Parrall, Mexico.
The patriotism of the 10th Cavalry was commented upon in the Army and Navy
Journal, under date of December 8, 1917, in which it said: " 'Of all organizations of
the army as large as a regiment, the 10th Cavalry stands pre-eminent in its per
capita subscription to the Second Liberty Loan,' writes Col. De B. C. Cabell of that
regiment. With an aggregation of 1,329, officers and men, the 10th Cavalry subscribed
for over two million dollars' worth of the bonds, more than $150 per man. It is a
fact that this amount would have been materially increased had I not ordered that no
man be allowed to pledge his pay to that extent that he would not have ten dollars on
pay day.' Such patriotism from this regiment of colored men is worthy of publication."
During the Philippine Insurrection the hardest fighting was done by the 24th
Infantry of Negro soldiers with General Lawton's command, and yet it remained just
twenty years afterward before these loyal and heroic Negro soldiers were rewarded
by the ITnited States Government. The opportunity came when the War Department
granted the request of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People through their representative spokesman, Major Spingar, for a separate training
camp for the training of officers to serve in the National .durmy to fight in the present
World War. A separate training camp was opposed by many persons of both races.
The argument used against it was that a man should; first be a gentleman before he is
made an officer in the United States Army. Then, if they were gentlemen and were
to fight against a common enemy and make the world safe for Democracy, there
should be no distinction made in their training, since the same requirements would be
demanded in the execution of orders from the Commander-in-Chief from all the officers
serving to win the war. After being convinced that if the Negro was to receive officers
who would be in command as commissioned officers in the war, they would have to accept
of a separate training camp.
After being brought to the realization of this fact, Negro men throughout the
United States readily enlisted to train in a separate training camp. The War Depart-
ment located this camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. There were graduated from this
camp nearly seven hundred Negro Army officers. Of that number one hundred and
ninety-eight were enlisted men from the Twenty-fourth Infantry and other units from
the Begidar United States Army. Many of these Negro soldiers were already non-
commissioned officers. There were many in the list who were from the present day
Negroes of California.
When the United States Government declared war upon the German Imperial Gov-
ernment, immediately there began rumors in the United States that this govern-
ment did not intend to employ Negro soldiers in the war for oversea duty except as
stevedores. Such rumors, in the face of such splendid war records of Negro soldiers
who had fought in all the previous wars of this country did not make the Negro race
in America very happy. To add to their unhappiness there were more lynchings of
Negroes and the victims burned while alive, in the Southern States, together with the
atrocities of the East St. Louis massacre of Negro residents, all tending to make
Negro citizens of these United States wish that they had never lived to see this day.
But "There is a Divinity that shapes our ends, rough-hew them as we may." In time
the Congress of the United States passed in both branches a bill called ''Conscription,"
or the ** Selective Draft Act." It was approved and immediately signed by the Presi-
dent of the United States, Woodrow Wilson, in May, 1917. This was a little over a
month after the declaration of war. This bill called for the registration of all men
in the United States on June 1st who were of twenty-one to thirty-one years of age. It
made no distinction as to race, color, position or wealth. All must register for service
overseas or wherever the War Department might need them. ''It then became dear
to the Negro that in this the Negro boys saw plainly that they were to take their part
and 'Tote half of the log.' " Thus, by signing this bill known as the "Selective Draft
Act," the commander-in-chief of all the armies of the United States broke the first
ground for a New Democracy in the United States of America. Digitized by vj^^v^/viv.
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In the great conflict of 1861 many wealthy persons hired substitutes to serve on
the firing line. The instructions given t0| the Exemption Boards by the Secretary of
War, and enforced throughout the United States, prevented any possible chance of any
substitute filling anybody's place in the ranks of the National Army. They further
started out in true Democratic fashion by being sent to the same training camps. In
regard to the stevedore Negro regiments, the National Association for the Advancement
of Oolored People made a vigorous protest against all Negro regiments being made
nieh. This resulted in the War Department announcing the number of such regiments
alloted to the Negro people accor^g to their quota, and that as many as possible
would be offtcered by Negroes. After this statement but very few Negro men asked for
exemption. They were all ready to make the supreme sacrifice for the good of their country.
In the language of the late Booker T. Washington, who has been quoted as saying: **I
ask if a people who are thus so willing to die for their country ought not to be given
the highest opportunity to live for their country f" And thus, like a voice from the
beyond, when there was mistreatment to Negro soldiers in Southern camps the successor
to Dr. Washington, Major Motin, made a special visit to the commander-in-chief of aU
the armies of the United States, President Woodrow Wilson, to talk over the situation.
After this conference the President recommended to the War Department the appoint-
ment of Mr. Emmett J. Scott to act as advisor and -assistant secretary to the Secretary
of War, Newton Baker. Mr. Scott acted as secretary for the late Booker T. Washington
for over eighteen years. Mr. Scott's duties are to look after the interest of the Negro
soldiers. It was softer this appointment that the Negro men rushed to enter the "sep-
arate Training Gamp for Negro Officers." This resulted in, after the successful gradu-
ating of the officers from the Training Gamp at Fort Des Moines, the United States War
Department opening smaller camps in different sections of the United States, where
Negro men were trained in every branch of the army. It has gone even further, and
those showing special aptness have been sent to the different Negro colleges to receive
training in electrical engineering and other trades of use in the United States Army.
A little colored boy by the name of McKinley Anderson, who attended a rural
school supported by the American Missionary Association somewhere in South Garolina,
upon being requested by his teacher to write an article on the war, among other things
said, in rdferring to the first draft Negro boys he had seen sent off to camp: "Some
how we've a feeling that those boys, & properly trained and given a square deal, are
going to make a record not only for themselves but a record for the race; which will go
down into history as the records of their grandfathers who fought with George Wash-
ington, and their fathers who fought with Grant and Roosevelt. Those boys and their
families have a record for producing two-thirds of the food-stuff produced in 'X' Gounty
heretofore, and we will continue to grow and conserve food for them; and when they
return, for we expect them back, we will welcome them as heroes of 'X^ Gounty,
citizens of Souths Garolina and American boys who have helped make the world safe
for Democracy."
This Negro boy in his essay was right in his prophecy, because the National Army
of the United States, now fighting in France for Democracy and the liberty of the
world against autocracy, contains thousands of Negro soldiers and over a thousand
Negro commissioned army officers, and many privates who have already won the French
cross given for bravery under fire and at other encounters with the enemy. There are
Negro expert marksmen as riflemen and, best of all, they have a hospital unit con-
sisting of over a thousand trained orderlies, doctors, dentists, and recently the War
Department has ordered Negro trained nurses. Negro soldiers thus far have behaved
so grallantly and heroically in the face of fierce encounters that the American Associated
Press has seen fit to give them first-page mention in the daily press throughout the
Nation. It will not surprise the world if the final battle is fought by Negro soldiers
commanded by Negro trained United States Army officers who will command their
forces directly into Berlin and will bring back, to be placed in the Smithsonian Museum
at Washington, D. C., the royal crowns of the Kaiser of Germany and the Emperor of
Austria, together with any others necessary for the peace of the world.
The following will give the reader some account of the first Negroes in Galifomia
who, during pioneer days, registered their names and formed a company and were willing
and anxious for an opportunity to serve the United States Government in the Givil
War. This data has been obtained from the Pacific Appeal of 1863, which said: "A
meeting was held on Wednesday eveniufr, June 10, 1863, in the Athenaeum Hall on
Washington street, San Francisco, Galifomia, of those who were willing to form a
military company of colored men and, ii{ accepted by the Government, engage in the
war. It being necessary* that a civil organization should be effected before a military
company could be formed, Mr. Furguson was appoiuted as chairman and P. A. Bell
secretary. On motion A. Furguson, S. J. Gromes and B. A. Hall were appointed a corn-
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284 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
mittee to draft roles for the temporary government. Messra. W. H. Hall, L. H. Brooki,
John Jones, P. Anderson and others addressed the meeting.
"Moved, we open a recruiting office in this place and that Mr. B. A. Hall be
appointed recruiting officer. Carried. Moved that a vote of thanks be tendered Mr.
QwiTge Smith for the gratuitous use of this halL The following persons enrolled their
names: A. Furguson, Nathaniel Wellington, F. G. Barbadoes, H. G. Cornish, 8. J.
Gromes, P. A. Bell. B. A. Hall, William H. Muny, George Smith, William Hall, O. H.
Dutton, Jacob Yates, N. E. Speiths, J. Biker, Lotda A. Bell, AUen Garvey, John Jon«s,
Z. F. Bell, Owen Brown, William Freeman, William Walters, Charles Epps, James O.
Smith; drummer boy, James Merritt. The names just quoted can be truly called the
muster roll of the names of the first company of California Negroes who were willing to
serve in the United States Army if called for service in the Civil War. There were
other colored men of prominence connected with the white California militia or the
Vi^^lante Committee of San Francisco. Mr. Charles Delvicho was a member of that
committee. Captain John Jones, another colored gentleman, had charge of all the
ammunition, and rifles of the Vigilante Committee which were stored in a warehouse
used as their armory in San Francisco, California.
After the close of the Civil War enthusiasm ran high among the Negro people of
this State to obtain military training, which eventually led to the forming of military
companies of colored men all over the State. The Branan Guards, or the Lincoln
Invincibles, were organized in San Francisco. Mr. Samuel Branan, a white gentleman
of that city, paid for their equipment. The names prominently mentioned in connection
with this organization were Captain John Jones, James Biker and Alexander G. Den-
nison. The Sacramento Zouaves was another Negro military organization. The names
of their officers were Captain Pierson, First Lieutenant William Gault, Second Ldeu-
tenant William Quinn, Drummer Boy Albert Grubbs. Among the 'names prominently
mentioned with this organization w6re Barney Fletcher, Bill Goff and Albert Grubbs
(senior).
During the Philippine Insurrection the United States War Department had two
volunteer Negro regiments officered by Negroes who, after their retirement, have
located in Cidifomia. Since it has been impossible to secure sketches from all now
living in the State, the writer has deemed it fitting to quote the entire list of officers
of these two regiments. They are as follows:
Forty-eighth U. S. Volunteer Infantry, William P. Duvall, colonel commanding regi-
ment. Company ''A": Captain, James E. Hamlin; first lieutenant, F. W. Cheek;
second lieutenant, L. Washington. Company **B**: Captain, A. Bichardson; first lieu-
tenant, W. H. Allen; second lieutenant, G. F. Marion. Company **C**: Captain, S.
• Starr; first lieutenant, J. F. Powell; second lieutenant, J. C. Anders. Company "D":
Captain, Jas. W. Smith; first lieutenant, J. H. Anderson; second lieutenant, G. W. Taylor.
Company '<E": Captain L. W. Dennison; first lieutenant, Jas. B. Coleman; second lieu-
tenant, George Payne. Company <<F'': Captain, W. A. Hankins; first lieutenant, C. C.
Caldwell; second lieutenant, J. Moore. Company **G": Captain, Wm. H. Brown; first
lieutenant, J. W. Brown; second lieutenant, J. K. Bice. Company '^H": Captain, W. H.
Jackson; first lieutenant, H.J. Parker; second lieutenant, W. Green.. Company "I": Cap-
tain, B. B. Budd; first lieutenant, L. M. Smith; second lieutenant, C. B. Turner. Com-
pany ''K"; Captain, J. J. Oliver; first lieutenant, J. C. Smith; second lieutenant, F. B.
Chisholm. Company "L'': Captain, Thos. Grant; first lieutenant, P. McCowen; second
Uetenant, W. Ballard; Dr. William A. Pumell, first lieutenant and assistant surgeon.
Total officers, 57; enlisted men, 1,371.
Officers Forty-ninth U. S. Volunteer Infantry, Colonel William H. Beck, commanding
regiment. Organized September 15, 1899. Mustered out of the service June 30, 1901.
Dr. William C. Warmsley, captain and assistant surgeon; John H. Carroll, first lieutenant
and assistant surgeon. Company "A'': Captain, C. W. Jefferson; first lieutenant, L. H.
Jordan; second lieutenant, A. H. Walls. Company ''B'': Captain, W. B. Staff; first
lieutenant, Wm. B. Blaney; secoiid lieutenant, Bobert L. Goff. Company **C": Cap-
tain, Thos. Campbell; first lieutenant, W. H. Butler; second lieutenant, Beverly Perea.
Company ''D'': Captain, F. H. Crumbly; first lieutenant, Jas. Thomas; second lieuten-
ant, Geo. Payne.
First Lieutenants Thomas McAdoo, of San Diego, California; J. W. Clark, J. M.
White, Thomas E. Moodey, W. H. Bettis^ Levi Holt, Allen Lattimore, A. K. Bamett,
served with Twenty-third Kansas Volunteer Negro regiment. Second Lieutenants Henry
Taylor, A. M. Booker, William Green, J. D. Harkless, N. Singletary, George K Payne,
Obcblt Overr, now of Allensworth, California. The First Battalion, Companies A, B, C
and D, commanded by Major John M. Brown; Second Battalion, Companies E, F, G
and H, commanded by Major George F. Ford, of Twenty-third Elansas Volunteer
regiment.
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OP CALIFORNIA 285
William Beck, soa of Lieutenant-Colonel Beck, served during the Bpanish-American
War as gunner's mate of the flag ship of the American fleet. Second Gunner's Mate Mr.
Fred Overr, now of Pasadena, served on the Iowa of the American fleet.
The following are the names of the non-commissioned officers of the Twenty-fourth
United States Infantry of Negro soldiers. These men all won high commissions when
they graduated from the Separate Training Camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. The
names are here recorded as they were in the Twenty-fourth Infantry: Regimental non-
eommissioned staff officers, Walter B. Williams, regimental sergeant major; Thomas £.
Green, band leader; Gheorge A. Holland, Charles Ecton and George W. Winston, regi-
mental supply sergeants; Elijah H. Goodwin, battalion sergeant major; Thomas A.
Firmes, battalion sergeant major; Genoa S. Washington, battalion sergeant major; Bos-
eoe Ellis, color sergeant; John W. DeHaven, color sergeant. Many of these men now
live in California.
Th^re have been several names given the writer since this chapter was completed
with the officer's list. They are names first of a company of pioneer days namely
L 'Overture Guards, Captain B. J. Fletcher; first Lieut. Jos. Harris; Second Lieut. C.
W. Whitfield; Secretary, W. J. Sims; Treasurer, T. M. Waters; Financial Secretary,
J. T. Abrams.
The following names are of men who won commissions in the first Separate Train-
ing Camp for Negro Officers and are now serving with the National Army in France:
Captain W. Bruce Williams, of Pasadena; he was the ranking Non-Commissioned Officer
of the whole United States Army, Sergeant-Major of the 24th Infantry when he en-
tered the Separate Training Camp, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa; he graduated with the
rank of Captain; Dennis G. Mathews, First Lieutenant 350th Machine Gun Company;
Jesse Kimbrough, First Lieutenant 365th Infantry; Dr. Leonard Stovall, First Lieu-
tenant Medical Beserve Corps; Joumer White, First Lieutenant 367th Infantry; Dr.
Olaudin Ballard, First Lieutenant Medical Beserve Corps. These men are all from Los
Angeles. There are a number from San Francisco who made commissions. First Lieu-
tenant Alberger, First Lieutenant Leonard Bichardson, Captain Grasty, Captain Spar
Dickey, First Lieutenant Leon Marsh and Chaplain Bobson and Sergeant Gray of Los
Angeles.
"Captain John Jones was bom in the City of Lexington, Kentucky, on the 23rd
day of October, 1829. When he was six years of age, his parents moved to Palmyra,
Missouri, where he passed his youth until he was sixteen years old. Although all of
his ancestors were free, people, he lived in a slave State, where opportunities for an
education were meagre, but, with it all, he obtained such education as his parents were
able to give him, and which his unfavorable surroundings would permit. Even as a
lad he evinced a disposition to obtain all the information that he could that deAlt with
the leading topics of the time. It was his delight to sit and listen to the discourses
and arguments of the prominent men of his city.
"In 1846 he left his home to follow the United States Army into Mexico, and
thereby saw some service in the Mexican War. Being too young to enlist as a regular
soldier, he went as an officer's boy to one of the colonels in that army. He returned)
however, in 1847 and took up his abode in St. Louis, where he obtained emplo3rment on
one of the river steamers plyinff between that city and Natchez. It was on one of these
steamers that he acquired the information and qualities which fitted him for the many
positions of trust that he held in after years.
"In the spring of 1849, the stories of the great wealth that existed in the Golden
State of California reached his ears and he determined to cast his lot in the F^ West.
At this time a fleet of prairie schooners was fitted out in St. Louis for the trip across
the plains, and he decided to join it. After many hardships and several narrow escapes
from the attacks of Indians, he arrived in the city of Sacramento in the fall of 1849.
"Of the trip across the plains Captain Jones used to relate a very amusing incident
that occurred on the trip, which dealt with the perplexity of the Indian in some things.
One day while crossing the Plains of Wyoming the caravan had halted under the shade
of some large trees beside a running stream, when it was visited by a band of friendly
Indians. Captain Jones was the onfy colored man in the party, and from later develop-
ments it appears that he was the first man of a dark sldn that the Indians had ever
seen other than those of their own people. During the wait he noticed that the Indians
watched him closely and from time to time pointed toward him. He became so nervous
over their actions that he seriously considered 'taking to the tall timber' at the first
opportunity. Finally one of the chiefs came over to him and began addressing him in
their Indian dialect. Of course, being unable to understand a word that the Indian
■aid, he could only shake his head. At first the chief was inclined to get angry, as ho
undoubtedly thought that Jones was a renegade Indian, trying to forsake Ms people.
With this doubt in his mind, the chief began comparing thmgi|^ He to^^^^ ^land
286 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
and placed it alongside of his and grunted 'All samee.' He then placed his cheek along-
side that of Jones' and grunted 'All samee.' He touched Jones' mouth, ears, nose and
eyes and then his own and grunted 'All samee.' He then rubbed his hand over his own
hair and then over that of Jones and grunted loudly, 'No all samee.' When the Indians
left the chief was murmuring 'All samee, all same; no all samee.'
"From Sacramento Captain Jones went to the 'Diggins' in Placer County, but
things did not 'pan out' to his liking there, and after developing a good dose of rheu-
matism he went to San Francisco, where he^ remained practically the rest of his life.
In San Francisco he gained the friendship of W. T. Coleman, of Vigilante fame, and
through him became acquainted with the leading men of the early fifties in the State.
In those days of good living and much money, the knowledge gained on the Mississippi
river stood him in good stead and he easily secured employment as steward in one of
the finest clubs of San Francisco, besides doing much private catering work.
"During the active period of the Vigilante Committee he was put in charge of the
warehouse which served as an armory and as the council room of the committee. He
was present when a bargeload of rifles was seized by the committee. These rifles were
coming from Sacramento and had been sent by the governor to the Terry faction, who
were opposing the Vigilance Committee. He was SLbo present when Casey and Cora
were hanged by the Vigilance Committee. He saw San Francisco destroyed by fire
three times, and each time lost all of his i>ossessions.
"Senator Broderick had taken a great fancy to Jones, and when he left for the
National capital to represent California in the Halls of Congress, he took Jones along
with him as his valet and confidential servant. Jones was in the immediate vicinity
of the dueling ground when Senator Broderick, who had fired his gun into the air, was
shot by Judge Terry.
"Captaui Jones was prominently identified with all the activities of early Cali-
fornia, especially those in which the interests of the people were concerned. . Associated
with such sterling colored pioneers as Anthony Osborne, Lige Hare, P. A. Bell, Peter
Anderson, B. H. Wilcox, John A. Barber, Sully Cox, William Hall, Nat Godfrey, Dave
Buggies, Barney Fletcher, B. A. Hall, Fiddletown Smith, George W. Dennis, Sr., George
Goodman and dozens of others. He grave his time, labor and money to any enterprise
which tended to keep from the State those prejudices and hardships to which the colored
people in the Southern States were being subjected. Many of the early Calif omians
being persons from the South, they were endeavoring to shape the policies of Calif omia
in such a way that it would be acbnitted into the Union as a slave State, and with this
end that slavery might be planted in the State where free labor could have been very
profitably used. This was actually tried when "Archy," a slave boy, was brought
into the State by his master. Jones and his associates, • • • after considerable
difficulty in preventing the master from getting Archy out of the State, succeeded in
kidnapping him and Md him for a considerable period in the house of Mammy Pleas-
ants. • • •
"In 1855, a fleet of palatial steamers was placed on the run from San Francisco to
Sacramento, and Jones was given the stewardship of one of them. At this time the
position was an enviable one, as the wages for a steward was $150 per month, and the
perquisites were twice as much more. He afterwards became port steward of the
fleet and was thereby able to make money. Like most old pioneers at this time, he
imagined it would last forever, and money therefore slipped through his fingers about
as fast as he made it. The great faults of the times were gamblmg and speculation,
and he was not immune from either.
"One of Captain Jones' greatest efforts was the abolition of the colored schools of
the State. Although he had a sister who was teaching in one of the colored schools^
he accompanied a delegation to Sacramento to work for the passage of a law that
would declare for mixed schools only in this State. Owing to the efforts of this dele-
gation this law was x^aseod. When he was asked why he would work for this law when
its passage would put his sister out of employment, he replied that the advancement of
the whole of his people was of more importance than the position of one, and that his
sister would be benefited by the change by reason of her great pedagogic ability, and
he foresaw aright, for immediately after the schools were mixed his ^ster was made
principal of one of the finest grammar schools in Sacramento.
"One of the proudest moments in the life of Captain Jones was when he was
elected captain of the Brannan Guards, a soldier company composed of colored men
named after and financed by Sam Brannan, a man who had idways shown the greatest
concern for the welfare of the colored people of San Francisco. It was while he was
captain of this company that the first celebration of the emancipation was held in San
Francisco. With John A. Morgan he helped to organize the Morgan Cadets, and he
had the pleasure of seeing his eldest son rise to the captaincy of that company of boys.
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286A
LIEUT. JOURNEE WHITE
367th Infantry (the Buffalos), 92nd Division, National Army, World's War.
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286B
THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
SERGT. MIDDLETTON SADDLER (Retired)
Spanish-American War.
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OF CALIFORNIA 287
"Captain Jones was noted for his oratory. His only peer at that time was William
Hall, known as the colored silver-tongaed orator. This oratorical gift made Captain
Jones a very prominent flgare in all of the activities of the time, political as well as
otherwise.
"The lack of a superior education in himself and his observations of the value of
education, made education his hobby, and he was ever doing something to further the
educational advancement of the colored youth of the State. He val^tly struggled
and many times denied himself many comforts during the latter years of his life in
order that his offspring should not be handicapped in that regard, and with the result
that his children were given every opportunity to provide themselves with that necessary
adjunct to success in l&e. He had the pleasure of seeing his eldest son, the first colored
youth to be graduated from the grammar school, from the high schools and the first to
matriculate in the University of California, and he looked forward with keen anticipation
to the day when he could see that son receive his degree and his other children follow
in this son's footsteps, but death robbed him of that pleasure, as he died before that
event occurred.
"In 1859 he married Sarah Bebeeca Burke, a daughter of the prominent Hiner
family, of Baltimore. The result of that marriage was two sons and four daughters,
several of whom have become prominent in the political, social, fraternal and club life
of the State. In 1873 Captain Jones accepted a position as steward of the Idaho Club,
which he retained until his death, which occurred on the 31st day of August, 1881."
It is with a great degree of pleasure, mingled with pain, that the writer is giving
to the reader the following sketch of the late Colonel Allensworth, with whom she
was personally acquainted from her early school days, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the
memory of his kindness and advicid and his pure Christian character she holds as one of
the sacred memories of her recollection. The lesson derived from a lecture given by
him to children in Cincinnati, on "Mastering the Situation," has been as a guiding
star through life. Colonel Allen Allensworth was intensely interested in the production
of this book and gave the writer many valuable suggestions concerning its completion.
The late Colonel Allensworth was bom a slave, and yet there are few, if any, who
have made more out of life and done more for their fellow man. He was educated in
the Boger Williams University, at Nashville, Tennessee, a Baptist institution. He
added to his knowledge thus obtained by carefully making use of his spare time in
obtaining information of value to his race and to mankind in general. He was appointed
by the .^nerican Baptist Association to travel in the interest of the Baptist denomina-
tion and lecture to children.
Colonel Allensworth served in the Civil War, the Spanish- American War and the
Philippine Insurrection. He was chaplain of the Twenty-fourth Infantry of Negro United
States soldiers. H^ had charge of the school for enlisted men, and, aside from teaching
them the English branches, saw to their moral education and entertainments. He was
persevering, orderly, faithful and earnest in everything he undertook. He was a deep
thinker and very careful of what he said. Mrs. Allensworth and daughters did not
accompany him to the Philippine Islands, but remained at the Presidio of San Fran-
cisco, California.
Upon his retirement from the United States Army, he and his family located in Los
Angeles, California. The War Department of the United States, upon his retirement
with an excellent record, having served through three wars, honored him with the rank
of Lieutenant-colonel (retired) of the United States Army. He immediately began to
plan how he could further serve his race. Finding the climate of CaUf omia so delight-
ful, he soon decided that it would be just the place for thousands of poor Negro families
struggling in the East against the cold and other disadvantages. After a careful con-
sideration, he decided that California colored settlers could be of assistance to the
members of the race in the East who would have the courage to come here to live.
Whereupon he spoke to several public-spirited colored citizens, who readily joined and
approved his plans. This resulted in their organizing a company for colonizing the
Negro race in this the State of California. They subscribed a sum of money and decided
to purchase a plot of land. In time they purchased land in Tulare County.
The men who formed the organization and worked for the success in having this
land surveyed for a town site, immediately recognized the value of the advice, activities
and influence of Colonel Allensworth, and they decided to petition the proper authorities
and have the town site named after Colonel Allensworth. After considerable delay
they secured the right to call it "Allensworth." It is governed, and with success,
by Negroes.
Colonel Allensworth owed a great deal of his success in life to the true and faithful
companionship of his wife, Mrs. Josephine Lea veil Allensworth, who is equally as public-
apirited and race-loving. She has gone hand in hand with him in every movement for
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288 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
the betterment of the race. (See ''Distinguished Women.")
The death of Oolonel Allensworth was most tragic, because, after passing through
three wars, he was finally killed by a careless motorcyclist on the streets of Monrovia,
Oalifornia, a few miles out from Los Angeles, the accident occurring on a Sunday
morning in September, 1914. The aged Colonel was on his way to preach in a small
church of the village and had just stepped from a Pacific Electric street ear when these
men knocked him down and ran over him, killing him through their careless driving,
his death, occurring within twenty-four hours afterwards without his regaining con-
sciousness, was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky to the people of the State. He had
spent the two years previous in dictating and assisting Professor Charles Alexander to
write his autobiography. The book had been sent to the publishers and was ready to
come off the press when he was killed.
Colonel Allen Allensworth was loved and respected by all who knew him. He waa
accorded a military funeral by the Grand Army Veterans of Los Angeles. Few people
are privileged to live and die leaving so sweet a memory. There were memorial services
held for him throughout the State and Nation. The race papers for weeks were making
honorable mention of him. Many societies passed resolutions of respect and honor for
his work for the betterment of the race. His death was felt keenly by all who were so
fortunate as to have enjoyed his friendship, or even to have known him.
Captain Floyd Henry Crumbly was born in the City of Rome in the State of Georgia,
May 10, 1859^ son of Bobert and Mariah Crumbly, his father a slave and his mother a
free woman, a half-breed Lidian. He received primary instruction from Bev. Qeorge
Standing, one of the early missionaries of the Methodist Episcopal Church at La Grange,
Georgia, obtaining the balance of his education in the United States Army and in the
school of experience. He enlisted in the U. S. Army as a private, November 16, 1876,
and was assigned to Troop ''I," Tenth Cavalry, Captain T. A. Baldwin commanding;
promoted to corporal June, 1877; promoted to sergeant January, 1878; served at Forts
Stockton, Bichardson and Sill in the Indian Territory; served in all the Indian cam-
paigns, operating in Texas and the Indian Territory, from 1877 to 1881, as sergeant-
major and quartermaster sergeant during the Victoria campaign on the border of Texas
and Old Mexico in 1880, under Lieutenant Henry O. Flipper, who was one of the best
educated and best drill masters ever produced by West Point Military Academy, and
who was, in every way, an officer and a gentleman. Mr. Crumbly was discharged from
the army November 16, 1881, by reason of expiration of his term of service, with an
excellent character.
He returned to his Southern home at Atlanta, Georgia, and engaged in mercantile
business, building up an excellent trade and accumulating property. After the great
financial panic during the Cleveland administration, young Crumbly found himself at
the same place he had occupied when he first started. He was not discouraged, but
again set out to rebuild on a clean record, with all accounts fully satisfied and with many
strong friends in the wholesale trade. He was a one-third owner in the first drug store
operated and owned by colored men in the State of Georgia. It was known as the
Butler-Slater Drug Company, located on Auburn avenue, which business was succeeded
by the Gate City Drug Company, now operating in that city and owned by Dr. Moses
Amos and others, and which business is a creditable representation of the medical pro-
fession in any city. Dr. Amos, who was with the business at its early inception, is the
oldest pharmacist in the State among colored people.
At the creation of the Orphan Home by Mrs. Carrie Steel, Captain Crumbly waa
chosen secretary of the trustee board of that home, which proved to be useful and
sheltered and fed hundreds of orphans and dependent children. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and was grand secretary and chairman of the committee on foreign
correspondence of the Georgia jurisdiction for a number of years, lending his persoiutl
influence to the unification of Free Masonry in that State, from 1882 to 1898.
President McKinley appointed him a first lieutenant of the Tenth XJ. S. Volunteer
Infantry July 5, 1898, during the war with Spain. He was mustered out of the service
March, 1899, and again commissioned by the President to be captain in the Philippines.
During this service, as well as during the Indian wars. Captain Crumbly was in many
engagements on the field of battle, and on all the campaigns in all seasons of the year,
enduring all privations of a soldier on the theater of military operations against hostUe
forees. He was appointed judge of the Court of first Instance at Paranaqua, in the
Philippine Islands, and was charged with the duty to measure out civil justice to all
native criminals. Special record is made of his command engaging insurrection forees
at Santa Catalina, in the La Guna province, where, as was ususdly the case, our forees
were out-numbered. He had fifty men with one hundred cartridges, fighting two hun-
dred well armed insurgents, who were well-protected for the fight. The horse whieh
the Captain rode was killed at the first volley from the enemy and several men were
Digitized by KJKJKJWIK.
OP CALIFORNIA 289
wounded after a desperate fight. The American forces under the captain charged the
enemy's earthworks and routed them from their security, driving the main body into
the bamboo thicket, killing a score or more and capturing a number of armed men,
destroying the barracks, supplies, equipment and foodstuff and the entire town of Santa
Catalina, consisting of approximately one hundred houses. The enemy was pursued, but
eluded the Americans because of their knowledge of the trails leading through the
bamboo forest. General Bell, commanding the district, issued orders of commendation
for the splendid work done by the troops under Captain Crumbly 's command.
In 1903 this contented citizen in time of peace, who was ever ready to answer
**Here" when the call of the Nation was manifest, located in the City of Los Angeles,
arriving there with broken health from campaign service and climatic conditions in the
islands of the Pacific Ocean. He found here a climate that assisted in his full restora-
tion and decided to make this State and section his future home, notwithstanding many
inducements offered to him by some of the largest wholesale merchants of his Southern
home to return to that city, one of whom stated that the business people of California
would never appreciate his worth as a citizen as did the men of the South. However,
this was not sufficient to cause him to return, believing that the men of the race should
no longer confine themselves to the South, but should find a place, or make one, in
every section of this great nation and the world at large wherever civilization was
found.
Captain Crumbly assisted in the organization of the Department of the Columbia
United States Spanish War Veterans, including all the States west of the Mississippi
Biver, and was its first Commander. It is deemed proper to add here that he was one
of the colored commissioners associated with Professor Crogman, Bishop Gains, H. A,
Bucker, Bev. I. Garland Penn, John C. Dancy, Booker T. Washington and others for
the great Negro building at the Cotton States and International Exposition in 1885. It
was this body of men who after months of agitation secured a place on the opening
day program of that exposition for Booker T. Washington as one of the speakers.
Every race man of that time and every Southern white man admitted that this address
was Booker T. Washington's master effort. » * » What he said to the ten thousand
people there assembled was read with deep interest throughout the world wherever
Associated Press news was sent.
Captain Crumbly is now at the head of a local movement in Los Angeles having for
its purpose the establishment of a sanitarium for persons in the early stages of con-
sumption, to prevent the spread of the disease as much as possible. He is engaged in
the real estate business and is one of the commissioned notary publics of Los Angeles
County, California.
It affords the writer great pleasure to give the sketch of Captain Crumbly to the
reader because of the fact that he is thoroughly a race man and takes pride in doing
whatever he can in promoting the interest of the race. Since coming to Los Angeles
he has been one of the prime movers in the organization of the T. M. C. A. and the
"Forum," a club which meets every Sunday afternoon in the auditorium of the Y. M.
C. A. and discusses questions of importance to the race.
Alfred D. Benston, the subject of this sketch, has a most interesting career. He
has a mixture of Cherokee Indian bloody together with traces of Negro, and is six feet
tall. He has seen service in the Civil War, as his record shows. Previous to coming
to California he was a lumber merchant and inspector, holding the position as clerk and
foreman of the yard of H. B. Deacon & Co., lumber merchants, of Philadelphia, Penn-
sylvania, serving the firm for over thirteen years at a salary of $22 a week and allowed
$7 a day for expenses, holding the inspectorship of western, eastern and northern parts
of the United States or the lumber district of Albany, Pennsylvania and the West.
After a time he left this firm and placed an advertisement in the New York papers
for a position. His advertisement was answered by George M. Grant & Brothers, of
New York, who were lumber merchants. Mr. Benston stood an examination before the
firm in New York City and passed over six white competitors. He was employed by
the firm and sent to Clarksville, Tennessee, where he measured and inspected a quantity
of walnut lumber, subject to shipping to Philadelphia, Pennasylvania.
His knowledge of lumber and the different sections of the United States caused Mr.
George North to engage him to sell twenty carloads of lumber. Mr. Benston 's com-
mission on the deal amounted to $15«000. After collecting this he decided to come to
California and see what his prospects in the Golden West would bring him. He soon
fell in love with Miss Minnie Dennis and they Were married in San Francisco, California.
He then accepted a position with Mr. Parrott as butler, holding the same for seven
months, when Mr. Timothy Hopkins, cashier of the Southern Pacific railroad, offered
Mr. Benston a position on his poultry ranch at Menlo Park. He worked at poultry
raising for four years, keeping seven incubators continuously busy, using between
290 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
twelve and thirteen hundred eggs and losing less than fiye per cent. This poultry farm
covered six acres. After the £et year the daily output was five hundred eggs a day.
When Hon. William McKinley was elected as the President of the United States,
he appointed General Dimond as superintendent of the United States mint, located in San
Francisco. Since General Dimond was a G. A. B. man and a friend to Mr. Benston,
who also held a war record, at the suggestion of Mr. T. B. Morton, the subject of this
sketch made application for a position in the mint. His application was signed by
Governor Stanford, General Dimond and Mr. Timothy A. Hopkins, after which it was
forwarded to Washington, D. C. In twenty-eight days afterwards Mr. Benston received
the appointment in the mint and retained the same until there was a change in the
administration.
He then accepted a position with the Southern Pacific Bailroad until there was
another change in the administration, when he was again appointed to the assayer's
department in the mint, serving in that capacity for eighteen years, when he was sud-
denly stricken at his work. He was ill for two years, after which he recovered and
returned to his position. During hia long service in the mint he has a record that was
clear, having never been tardy or had to be called-down for insubordination by the
superintendent. He made all the cupels used getting out all the leads used in the
department. His cupels tooks the red ribbon at Philadelphia at the annual meeting of
the assayers' departments of all the United States mints in 1911. This position was
filled by Mr. Benston for years. The following is his military record:
''Certificate of Becord. To all whom it may concern: Bequeathed to every Amer-
ican is a priceless legacy preserved to us by the valor of the boys in blue.
"This certifies that Alfred Benston enlisted from Laiicaster County, Pennsylvania,
to serve one year or more during the war, and was mustered into the United States
service at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, August 24, 1864, as corporal of Captain John T.
Barnard's company "E," One Hundred and Twenty-seventh Begiment, United States
colored Infantry, Colonel Benjamin F. Tracey, commanding. This regiment, composed
of men enlisted and drafted in the State of Pennsylvania, to serve one, two and three
years, was organized at Camp William Penn, Philadelphia, from August 23rd to Sep-
tember 10th, 1864. He was ordered to City Point, Virginia, in September, 1864, and
attached to the f^rst Brigade, Third Division, Tenth Corps Army of the James; later
transferred to the Second Brigade, Second Division, Twenty-fifth Corps and Depart-
ment of Texas. It participated in the siege operations against Petersburg and Bieh-
mond, Virginia, including engagements at Chapin's Farm, New Market Heights, Fort
Harrison, Darbytown Boad and Fair Oaks. It was on duty in trenches north of James
Biver before Bichmond until March, 1865; moved to Hatcher's Bun, March 27, and the
next day started on the Appomattox campaign, taking part in engagements at Hatcher's
Bun, Fall of Petersburg, pursuit of Lee, and Appomattox, or Lee's Surrender, Virginia,
April 9, 1865. It was on duty at Petersburg and City Point until June, 1866, then
ordered to Brazos, Santiago, Texas, and assigned to duty at various points on the Bio
Grande until October. It was consigned into a battalion of three companies September
11th, and was mustered out of service October 20th, 1865.
The said Alfred Benston* was taken sick in November, 1864, of chronic diarrhoea
and was confined ixv a tent hospital at Point of Bocks, Maryland. While there his
limbs were frozen and he was transferred to the general hospital at Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, where he remained for seven months, and received an honorable discharge
there on the 11th day of September, 1865, by reason of surgeon 's certificate of disability
and close of the war.
"He was with his command during its services as outlined until after the battle of
Fair Oaks, Virginia, and rendered faithful and meritorious service to his country. He
was born in Chester County, Virginia, on the 25th day of November, 1847. He was
united in marriage to Minnie L. Dennis at San Francisco, California, July 14th, 1885,
from which union were bom four children, Alfred C, Marguerite L., Charlotte G. and
Harold.
"He is a member of Lincoln Post, No. 1, Department of California and Nevada,
Grand Army of the Bepublic; L O. O. F. and F. and A. M. He was formerly a member
of Bobert Bryan Post, No. 80, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"He is employed in the United States mint, at San Francisco, California. These
facts are thus recorded and preserved for the benefit of all those who may be interested.
Compiled from official and authentic sources by the Sailors and Soldiers' Historical and
Benevolent Society. In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and cause to be
affixed the seal of the Society. Done at Washington, D. C, this 16th day of December,
A. D. 1912.
"M. WALLiNOsroaD, HUtorian, Noi^iS."
OF CALIFORNIA 291
Mr. Benston was transferred to the Lincoln Post at the request of General Dimond
in 1889. He was a member of the post for a number of years when he was appointed
sergeant major, in 1902, and continued for twelve years at fifty cents per post, occa-
sionally filling the chair as adjutant and, during thei illness of the regular appointee,
Mr. Benston filled the chair for three months, and at the time of the i^jutant's death
he was appointed adjutant of the post, performing every duty of the office accurately
and satisfactorily to other comrades up to the time of his last illness, during which he
has been complimented by the commander of the post, who constantly visited him until
he recovered and returned to his position in the post.
Middleton W. Sadler, the subject of this sketch, was bom in 1873 in Marrietta,
Georgia, which is located twelve miles from Atlanta, spending his youth in Alabama
and Kentucky, attending the public school of Sheffield, Alabama. He entered the Ken-
tucky University, at Louisville, in 1891, leaving before graduating to volunteer in the
United States Army or military service in 1892.
Military career: His first duties took him to the frontier of Dakota and Montana,
where he remained on duty until the outbreak of the Spanish-American War, of 1898.
His regiment, the Twenty-fifth Infantry, was the first ordered to the front and they
were first established at Camp Ghickamauga Park, Georgia, where they remained only a
few weeks before the regiment was ordered to take up advance position at Tampa,
Florida, where it was put into condition for service on the Island of Cuba.
Cuban campaign began June 14, 1898. The regiment, with the Fifth Army Corps,
embarked for service in Cuba, the expedition landing at Santiago, Cuba, June 22, 1898.
Campaign on the island: The regiment disembarked under fire from the enemy June
25th, but the enemy being driven away, the troops halted for reconnoiter and observa-
tion on June 30. The Twenty-fifth regiment was called to the relief of the Bough Biders,
which had been suddenly pounced upon by the enemy; a skirmish ensued and the enemy
was driven oif. The regiment was ordered into battle on July 1 against the enemy in
fortification at El Caney. After a day's hard fighting the position was carried, and
in the meantime the subject of this sketch had been slightly wounded in the left arm
while leading his company in the terrific assault, he being first sergeant and all the
officers having fallen in battle. For this service he was complimented in orders by his
regimental commander and recommended for a commission in the volunteer forces.
After the fall of El Caney, the regiment turned on the City of Santiago, when it
took part in storming San Juan. The regiment remained in action until the final sur-
render of the city, July 17, 1898. At the close of the Cuban campaign the regiment was
ordered to the State of New York, where it remained until ordered to a permanent
station in Colorado and Arizona. While in camp in New York, upon the recommendation
of his regimental commander, the subject of this sketch was decorated by a medal given
by Miss Helen Gould.
Sergeant Saddler's next active service took him with the Twenty-fifth Infantry to
the Philippine Islands, July 1, 1899, while in. an active campaign which was carried on
against the natives for three years that followed. During this campaign he was engaged
in twenty-two battles and skjjrmishes and remained with his regiment in the islands until
peace was declared July 4, 1902.
Betuming with his regiment from the islands, he took station in Nebraska, remain-
ing with his regiment untS promoted to the post non-commission staff by the Secretary
of War, May, 1905. Upon his promotion he was again ordered to the Philippine Islands,
where he served as post commissary sergeant until 1908. Upon his return from the
island via Sues canaJ, having circumnavigated the globe, he was given a station in
New York, remaining on that duty until he was again ordered to the Philippine Islands,
January, 1912, remaining until 1915. His new station took him to the State of Kansas,
where he remained until ordered for duty along the Mexican border. In the month of
April, 1917, he was ordered home for retirement, having served the thirty years to
entitle him to this privilege; twenty-five years of active service and foreign service.
He was subsequently retired from active service, September 20, 1917.
Promotion, Becommendations: Although entering the service as a private, his
attentiveness to duty soon won him promotion, first as corporal, sergeant, first sergeant,
sergeant major, and post commissary sergeant. His military career is considered second
to none, having served twenty-five years without a court martial or a single reprimand
by his superiors.
The following recommendations were given to him when he was about to retire, and
will give the reader a fair estimate of the high regard in which Sergeant Saddler was
held by his superior officers:
"A soldier of proven courage and bravery." — General J. P. O'Neal.
"A gallant soldier, a man for whom I have great personal respect." — General A.
S. Burt. Digitized by VJV/v^/v L\.
292 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
"A credit to the Army, a leader of his race." — ^Major General J. P. BelL
''I have personally observed Sergeant Saddler for many years and find him to be
eourteons, painstaking, reliable and efficient." — Colonel A. B. Paxton.
''His character is without reproach." — Captain M. A. Maloy.
"I know of no man better qualified for a commission than Sergeant Saddler. I
heartily endorse him for any honor a government may see fit to bestow upon him." —
General E. P. Taggart.
''His excellent character, his habits of sobriety, his pure motives are matters of
record wherever he has served. * ' — General M. J. Lenahan.
"I have known Sergeant Saddler sixteen years. He has been one of the best men
I ever commanded; painstaking, trustworthy, a soldier in every sense of the word." —
Colonel B. L. Bush.
"I invite special attention to Sergeant Saddler for any commission and position, of
trust that may be bestowed upon him." — Colonel M. D. Crowin.
"I know of no man better qualified through long experience and faithfulness to
duty for a commission of high grade than Sergeant Saddler."
"Order of Betirement. It is a pleasant duty of the post commander to announce to
this command the retirement from active service of Middleton W. Saddler. Sergeant
Saddler entered the service many years ago and served faithfully until its honorable
close. Sergeant Saddler has seven discharge certificates, all signed by different com-
manding officers, showing character excellent. He also is the honorable wearer of five
service medals and an active campaign badge. The closing of Sergeant Saddler 's active
career takes from the army a valuable soldier, a man that younger soldiers would well
emulate. While his commanding officer is proud to know he has reached his goal, he
regrets very much to lose his service. He carries into civil life a record second to none.
He is known throughout the army as a model soldier. I congratulate him upon hia
valuable record and can only say, 'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.'
"L. B. Brown, Colonel of the Coast ArtxOery Corps,"
Since his retirement Sergeant Saddler and wife have purchased a beautiful home
in Oakland, California. They are both active members of the Pifteenth Street A. M. E.
Church, and are deeply interested in the uplift of the race in all movements, taking an
active hand wherever needed. They both have delightful personalities, and the writer
considers it a great privilege to give to the reader the military career of one who has
won honors for the race.
Bev. George W. Prioleau, chaplain in the United States Army, bom of slave
parents, L. S. and Susan Prioleau, of Charleston, South Carolina, attended the publie
schools of that city and Avery Institute. In 1875, he attended Claflin University,
Orangeburg, S. C. During the winter months from 1875 to 1879, he taught the primary
public school of Lyons Township, Orangeburg County, S. C. He was converted and
joined the A. M. E. Church, St. Mathews, S. C, his father being pastor. He served his
church as leader of the choir, Sunday school teacher, superintendent, class leader, and
local preacher; joined the Columbia, South Carolina, Conference December 1879, under
Bishop Brown; was assigned as pastor to the Double Springs Mission, Lawrence
County, S. C.
December, 1880, was sent to Wilberforce University by the Columbia, S. C, Con-
ference, but, the Conference having failed to support him, he supported himself by
working at his trade during hours of recreation in the harvest fields of Green and Clark
Counties in Ohio, and was assisted by his father; was assigned to the Selma, Ohio, Mis-
sion by Bishop Shorter in the year 1881, held this charge three years; graduated from
the Theological Department, Wilberforce University, June, 1884, with the degree of
B. D.; taught in the public schools of Selma, Ohio, September, 1884, to September, 1885,
and, in connection, was pastor of A. M. E. Mission, Yellow Springs, Ohio, North Ohio
Conference.
Was appointed pastor of A. M. E. Church, Hamilton, Ohio, September, 1885; Wilber-
force University, December 23, 1885; appointed pastor A. M. E. Church, Troy, Ohio, by
Bishop Campbell, 1887; was elected to fill the chair of Ecclesiastical History and Home-
letics, September, 1889, and, in this connection, was pastor of Trinity, A. M. K Church,
Wilberforce University; appointed Presiding Elder, Springfield District, North Ohio
Conference, A. M. E. Church, September, 1890, in connection with duties as instructor
at Wilberforce University. This dual position was held until September, 1892; elected
delegate to the General Conference held in Philadelphia, 1892; was elected secretary
for four consecutive times of the North Ohio Conference, North Ohio; President, Con-
ference Sunday School Institute for three years; was appointed Pastor of St. John's
Church, Xenia, Ohio, in connection with Professorship at Payne Theological Seminary;
associate editor A. M. E. Sunday^ School Lesson Leaf for thr|^^^i^|,f(rp^^mpointed
OP CALIFORNIA 293
Ohaplain of the 9th Cavalry, United States Army, by President Cleveland, April 26,
1895, with rank of Captain and served with the regiment until November 15, 1915,
twenty years, six months and twenty days.
Transferred to the 10th Cavalry, November 15, 1915; was married after the loss
of first wife February 27, 1902, to Miss Ethel C. Stafford, Kansas City, Kansas, Febru-
ary 20, 1905; two girls, Mary S. and Ethel 8., and one boy are the fruits of this mar-
riage. The Chaplain has crossed the Pacific Ocean six times; four with his regiment,
and twice on detached service. He is a Thirty-third degree Mason, an Odd Fellow and
was initiated as a K. P.; appointed D. D. G. M. by G. M. N» C. Crews, Jurisdiction of
Missouri, over Arizona and New Mexico; organized Williami H. Carney Lodge No. 89
G. U. O. of O. F.; reorganized Joppa Military Lodge No. 150, A. F. and A. M. He paid
off a long standing debt) of nearly $1,100 on the church at Troy, Ohio, and built the
present structure; paid off a farge debt on St. John's Church, Xenia, Ohio, and Payne
A. M. E. Church, Hamilton, Ohio. His reports have always been satisfactory to the
Bishop. Many souls were converted through his preaching at Hamilton, Selma, Xenia
and in the army.
Chaplain Prioleau is the oldest ranking Chaplain in the United States Army. Dur-
ing the past year he was examined and was promoted to the rank of Major for excep-
tional efficiency. He has seen service during the Philippine Insurrection and was with
the regiment in the Philippine Islands during the great cholera scourge and did all he
could ^ give consolation to the dying, when it was not considered safe for him to do so,
but he never forsook anyone whom he might comfort in their last hours ofi suffering.
He holds a letter of commendation from Brigadier-General Strong for efficient services.
He is now Chaplain of the 25th Infantry. He served twenty years and six months
with one regiment, a longer term of service than any Chaplain has served in the United
States Army. He will retire May 15, 1920.
Chaplain Prioleau has purchased an elegant, modem home for his family at Bay-
mond and West Thirty-fifth Place, Los Angeles, and owns other valuable properties in
California. He will make his home in Los Angeles, California.
Captain William Beynolds was bom in Williams County, Tennessee. His father
emigrated to Topeka, Kansas, when the subject of this sketch was four years old. He
was reared and educated in the public schools of that city. He entered the volunteer
service during the Spanish- American War, 1898. He organized the first company of the
23rd Kansas volunteer Infantry, and commanded as a Captain of Company "A."
• After the regiment was mustered into United States service it was sent to Cuba,
making a siilendid record on guard duty in the Province of Santiago de Cuba. The
command was under Major General Leonard Wood; during the engagement on San Juan
Hill the 23rd ELansas was sent up into the mountains to head off Spanish reinforce-
ments. This Spanish force surrendered, were disarmed, sent to Santiago de Cuba, and
the 23rd Kansas occupied their barracks.
The 23rd Kansas, in connection with the 8th Illinois and 9th Louisiana Immunes,
were assigned to six months' guard-duty in that province, in rounding up the Cuban
Insurgents, and bringing them in, disarming them and sending them back to their farms;
tearing' down all Spanish block-houses and bringing peace to the Cubans. Company
'*A*' was commanded to destroy the block-houses on San Juan Hill and to assist re-
storing to sanitary condition the entire island of Cuba. The ' ' Beconcentrado " orders
issued by Weyler (the butcher) caused the unsanitary conditions.
After the regiment was in Cuba three months. Major Ford, who had secured leave
of absence from the government position he held in Washington, D. C, was compelled
to return to the United States. In view of Captain Beynold's being senior officer, he
was put in command of the 2nd, Battalion during the absence of Major G. W. Ford.
This position was held by Captain Beynolds until the regiment returned to the United
States in March, 1899.
After his return to the United States en route home, he stopped at Quindaro Uni-
versity, in Kansas, whereupon his brother. Prof. A. L. Beynolds, who was a member of
the faculty, extended Captain Beynolds an invitation to deliver a lecture before the
students, which he did on the subject "The Spanish- American War."
Captain Beynolds stood an examination for a position as Captain and his applica-
tion was returned from the war department, with recommendations for Major, instead.
He was recommended by Brigadier-General Ewers to Major-General Leonard Wood,
Commander of the Division, as a tactician and disciplinarian, on account of first certi-
ficate oi examination., When the War Department was fearful that this Gk>vemment
would be drawn into the World- War, it sent many letters to Captain Beynolds. Among
these letters was one which the writer was permitted to read, in which it spoke of
Captaim Beynolds being registered with the War Department as qualified for an appoint-
ment as a Commanding (Micer if volunteer forces should be nee^MibfU^^ suggestions
294 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
as to preparedness.*** Acting upon sneh, he immediately began to organize home ffuards
in Pasadena and Los Angeles, and organised and officered, with former Spanish-Ameri-
can War Veterans (all colored), three companies of Negro soldiers. Mr. Oscar Hudson,
of Ban Francisco, worked in the northern part of the State with the hopes of securing
enough to complete a full regiment. Captain Reynolds is an expert marksman.
Captain Reynolds is a member of Friendship Baptist Church, and chorister of the
same. He is a vocal teacher at his home in Pasadena. Captain Reynolds has one
son, who is now somewhere in France with the National Army, Corporal Raoul Rey-
nolds, Company ''I,'' 365th Infantry, Expeditionary Forces, under General Pershing.
Captain Reynolds has given some attention to Fraternal organizations. He is Past
Grand Captain-General of Knights Templar, of the State of California, also Past
Master of the State of ELansas and Past Eminent Commander of the State of Kansas.
During the past eleven years he has lived in this State, he has identified himself with
Euclid Lodge No. 2; Past Master of the Blue Lodge; Past High Priest of the Bed
Cross; Past Eminent Commander of the Knights Templar.
Captain Reynolds has been happily married for over twenty-five yeart, to Miss
Maggie E. Russel, of Topeka, Kansas. She, like her husband, is interested in every-
thing for the uplift of the race; is a member of the Federated Women's Clubs and is
Past Matron of the Eastern Star Lodge and Community Auxiliary Red Cross.
Chaplain Washington E. Gladden retired with the rank of Captain of the Twenty-
fourth Infantry, United States Army. He was bom in the State of South Carolina, in
1866. At the age of fourteen years he went to Great Bend, Kansas, where he found
work in the Hulme & Kelly flouring mills. He worked there for twelve years, during
which time he filled various positions from roustabout to that of chief engineer of the
establishment. He also won a contest for champion sack-sewer of the mill, haTing
sewed and packed six hundred and sixteen sacks in ten hours. While working at the
mill he mastered, through correspondence, a course in electrical engineering.
Chaplain Gladden was always of a religious and missionary spirit. When he was
only fourteen years of age, he organized a Sunday school, and would drive twenty
miles into the country on Saturday night after his week's work was finished, and hold
a religious meeting on Sunday in some desolate place in Kansas, returning to his work
on Monday morning.
In 1889, the Chaplain made a trip to Africa in the interest of missions and to in-
form himself of the wisdom of an emigration scheme by many who were at that time
preparing to emigrate to Africa. He made an extensive report that mission work in
Africa was a failure due to the fact that those who were sent to the field lacked medical
knowledge and sanitary information that would render them immune in the great epi-
demics that often broke out in South-Central Africa.
On his return to the United States, in 1890, he immediately entered the ministry,
and was ordained and took charge of the First Baptist Church at Great Bend, Kansas.
While pastoring at this place he took a special course of training at the Western CM-
lege, Macon, Mo. In 1895 the Chaplain received a call to organize a work at Oolorado
Springs. Colorado, under the direction of the American Baptist Home Missionary
Society of New York. This he accepted, and began work there in February, 1896. To
learn that he succeeded in this enterprise one only has to visit the St. John's Baptist
Church at Colorado Springs. Here he will find a modern church structure costing ten
thousand dollars and entirely out of debt. This work was accomplished during the
trying period of the great strikes in Colorado. One has but to know the history of
this church to know something of the characteristics of this man. Discarding many
of the generally-accepted principles of the Baptist Church and meeting often the eriti-
cism of his brethren in the Baptist ministry, he organized and administered his ehureh
on a strictly business plan, claiming that a church organization was a business, as well
as a spiritual institution. Thus running his church on a cash basis and ''pay as you go
plan." This met the popular approval of the populace and he had no trouble in ob-
taining money at M times for the needs of the church. In civil life he was identified
with all that made for the progress and welfare of the city and people. He ia a fear-
less advocate of all the rights of American citizens alike.
His appointment to the position of Army Chaplain was like that of the call of
John the Baptist, unsought and without public announcement, without the assistance
of the newspapers or other political influences. No one seemed to know anything about
it, or that the Chaplain was a candidate for the position until tho President sent his
name to the Senate for confirmation on May 21, 1906. The Chaplain accepted th< poai-
tion and was assigned to duty with the 24th Infantry, United States Army in the
Philippine Islands, leaving San Francisco on July 25, 1906. He served with this r^-
ment during the Pulahan Insurrection in 1906-7. He returned with the regiment to the
OF CALIFORNIA 295
TTnited States in 1908, and, for three years, was stationed at Madison Barracks, New
York.
In 1909 the United States Government appointed a Board of Chaplains who were to
make recommendations for more officers among the Chaplains. The subject of this
sketch, Chaplin Gladden, was elected Becorder of the Board, and was the only man of
the race who was a member of the board when it met at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
He asked that chaplains be placed on the board for examining men for the position as
chaplains.
Chaplin Gladden returned with the 24th Infantry to the Philippine Islands in 1911,
completing a four-year foreign service in that country. He had the distinction of per-
forming the first baptism by immersion in the Philippine Islands. During the time he
was in the army, he made all grades in marksmanship, up to expert rifleman.
Chaplin Gladden was an engineer as well as a minister, and his skill in this made
him adept at the wheel of a motion-picture machine. He operated the first machine of
this kind ever shown in the islands. He used it for the entertainment of his men as
well as all other creditable methods of entertainments. He encouraged the men in all
manly athletic sports. He has been appointed on several army boards, and is an aggres-
sive advocate oi making the Army Post so attractive for the enlisted men that they
will not seek pleasure in the dives that often surround a military reservation.
In the Philippine Islands his efforts reached the climax at Camp Stotsenburg,
Pampanga, P. I. Here he established and installed a modern motion-picture plant that
entertained from three to eight hundred men each evening. His Sunday evening re-
ligious services reached the number of 559 men at one service and averaged attendance
of more than four hundred each Sunday evening during a period of three months.
Chaplain Gladden says: ''The 24th Infantry U. S. Army has, like all other regi-
ments, some few men who make trouble, but they are in the minority. We have a
number of men who have spent their entire time with the regiment. They have honor-
able records for being true, brave men. It is probable that this regiment has the
largest number of men with it who engaged in the Spanish-American War. They have
two Spanish War Veterans Camps. Many of the men climbed San Juan HiU, engaged
ill the operations at El Caney, and did volunteer nurse duty at the fever-stricken camps
in Cuba. In view of the fact that they would take a chancei of being stricken by that
dreaded disease yellow fever, when the call came for volunteer nurses the entire line
went forward as one man, and many of them did die from the dreadful miUady.
''In the ranks of the 24th Infantry we have many examples of thrift and ability.
A number of the men have beautiful homes somewhere in the United States, as well as
improved properties. These homes are all paid for. Many of the men have accounts
in the savings banks. It is not an unusual thing to have one of them retire with a
neat sum provided for his comfort. I have but to refer to the many beautiful homes
owned by them in Oakland, Berkeley and many other cities in California. I know of
men in this regiment who have retired and some of them in active duty today that
have bank accounts from $5,000 to $25,000. This demonstrates the ability and possibili-
ties of the men who can conform to army life and stay with it for years. Then if a
young man does not desire to remain with the army he can return, at the end of his
first enlistment, to civil life with a discharge as to character excellent, which is of
gresX help to him in securing employment in the civil service branches of the govern-
ment. There is also a post school provided for the men by the Government. The
Chaplain is the superintendent of these schools. They run for five months of each year,
and any young man can volunteer to attend these schools. Here the man made of the
right kind of stuff can improve his opportunities and often prepare himself for some
useful occupation in civil life."
Chaplain Gladden, on March 26, 1915, went with the 24th Infantry from Fort D. A.
Bussell, Wyoming, to the border where they joined the American Expeditionary forces
into Mexico under General Pershing. He was placed in full charge of all the mail of
the expedition. It was while handling a large sack of mail that he injured himself,
which caused a very serious condition of the heart, and resulted in his having to be
brought out of Mexico on a litter and he was taken to Fort Bliss, and from thence to
the Letterman General Hospital of the Presidio of San Francisco, California, where he
was confined to his bed for nine months. This unfitted himf for further services and
he was honorably discharged and retired from the army on May 23, 1917. He has
decided to make Los Angeles his home and he and his family are comfortably located
on Dana Street in that city, in a modern beautiful home.
William Nauns Bicks, the subject of this sketch, was bom in WytheviUe, Va., of
mixed Indian parentage. On the Indian side, his mother's, he is a direct descendant of
Powhattan, and on his father's side of Boyal English and Indian blood. His maternal
great grandfather was of Indian and Boyal African blood. When quite a boy he real-
296 THE NBGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
iced that the few drops of Af riean blood inf his veins would make his life a diffienlt
one. After seeing; a Ijrnchin^; of a blaek youth he madei a vow to himself that he would
honor these drops of African blood by rendering service to the Negro race. He real-
ised that he would have to struggle above the tide of prejudice. As a step in his prepa-
ration for his life's work, he worked his way on steamers, and, at the age of sixte<ui
years, began his pilgrimage which took him several times to England. At the age of
eighteen he went to Boanoke, Va., where he joined and was elected in due course
Noble Grand of Kibar Lodge, of Odd Fellows, in that city, before he was twenty-one
years of age. He was a member of the True Reformers; a brass band; sang in the
Presbyterian Church choir; a member of dramatic clubs and several helpful organiaa*
tions beside a military company. •
In 1898 he enlisted in Company <<A" 24th U. S. Infantry (regular service), and
served ten months when he was discharged on G. O. No. 40. He re-enlisted and served
twenty-seven months in the Philippine Islands and held the United States Medal for
Service. Betumed to the United States an invalid; went to Southern California where
he became contracting plasterer. Afterward his right arm becoming impaired so as to
make it impossible for him to follow the work, he sought other fields of endeavor.
While living in Los Angeles he instituted and was one of the founders of the Men 'a
Forum Club.
Mr. Bicks moved to San Francisco in 1904 and was married. He lo^ his wife,
through an accident, in 1908. Shortly after locating in San Francisco he secured em-
ployment with the California Packing Corporation. Bealizing the opportunities for
advancement, he began attending business college at nights. This resulted in not only
making him proficient and valuable to his employers but it secured for him an increase
of salary annually during the eleven years' service. They recently made him head of a
department over a force of men.
Mr. Bicks, like many others, moved to Oakland after the fire of 1906. He haa
been elected in that city to Past Chief Banger of Foresters; Past National Aide de
Camp, U. S. War Veterans, also past all the camp and department offices except De-
partment Commander, which he refused three times. He is a member of the Fifteenth
Street Church choir and many social uplift dubs, among which are the National Asso-
ciation for the Advancement of Colored People, having served on the executive board
of the Northern California branch of this Association. He is teacher and founder of
the Sunday School Improvement Club; Past President of the Limited Club; the Assem-
bly Bay Cities Club, and recently was among the first to volunteer in an organisation
which was called ''The Home Defense Club," out of which it was hoped to merge the
** First Colored California Volunteer Begiment" for service during the present war.
He was designated Provisional Captain of Company "C" of this proposed regiment.
Mr. Bicks has found time to take some part in politics, having at one time been a
member of the State Bepublican Committee, and Judge of Elections in San Francisco.
Mr. Bicks thinks that the greatest honor came to him when he was elected as a dele-
gate to the Labor Union State Convention in 1907.
Mr. Bicks, as a recreation, writes poems and has done so since a boy. His first
poem to be published in California was during his residence in Southern Califomiay
making its appearance in the Daily News-Star, of Pasadena, California, in 1902. Since
then some of his poems have been published in the New York Journal and several magar
zines including Swnset and Overland Monthly, He has published some four or five hun-
dred poems, his poem on "Lincoln" having appeared several hundred times on this
Coast alone. He has published one book of poems called ''The Whistle Maker." His
writings show clearly that they are the product of a well-developed mind. Many of
his poems will be found in the literary chapter.
Mr. Archie H. Wall, the subject of this sketch, was born in Franklin, Tennessee,
Williams County, in 1857. He was educated in the school of experience, enlisted in the
United States Army, February 18, 1876, at Nashville, Tenn., with the Twenty-fifth In-
fantry: served with the regiment until the Victorian campaign of 1880. All the
troops in the campaign were from Fort Davis, Texas; thence to the Indian Territory,
Fort Supply, serving six years and six months; thence to Fort Bayard, New Mexico,
serving there six years; thence to Fort Douglass, Utah, at which time the declaration
of war with Spain, or the Spanish- American War, began.
This regiment was ordered to Santiago de Cuba, disembarked June 25, 1898, and
marched into battle July 1, serving on the firing line until July 14, 1898. Mr. Wall
returned to Sibony de Cuba to the yellow fever camps and served in nursing yellow
fever patients until August 26, at which time he embarked for New York. There were
many personal friends among the soldiers who were immune to yellow fever and served
as nurses from tent to tent. Among this number were Willis S. Bounder, Abraham
Benston, Jack Jones and B. E. Lee. P,g,^,^^^ ^^ vjn^i./g i^
OP CALIFORNIA 297
Mr. Wall related an unusual experience at San Juan Hill: ''The entire battalion
of Seventy-first New York began firing on the Twenty-fourth Infantry of United States
Negro Soldiers. Sergant WaU called the white commander's attention to the mistake
he was making, as they were not the enemy. This instance occurred July 1, 1898.
Sergeant Wall was caring for a number of soldiers who had been wounded in battle
when he discovered this mistake of the commander of the Seventy-first New York. The
Twenty-fourth Infantry of United States Negro soldiers was ascending San Juan Hill.
The firing a^rainst them did not cease until Sergeant Wall threatened to report the
white officer to Major General Shafter."
After the Cuban campaign the Twenty-fourth Infantry returned to Fort Douglass,
Utah. The regiment was ordered from there to the Presidio of San Francisco, and on
July 19 embarked for Manila, arriving August 10, 1899. The regiment and the subject
of this sketch, as a member of the Twenty-fourth Infantry, took part in (General Law-
ton 's advance, serving in Manila, Philippine Islands, until March 1, 1902.
Archie Henry Wall enlisted in the United States Army February 18, 1876, and
was assigned to Company "H," Twenty-fourth Infantry, August 13, 1876. He was
made principal musician March 15, 1885, serving as such for eighteen years and having
a company of never less than twenty-six musicians whom he trained. The following
letters will give an estimate of the high regard in which Principal Musician Wall was
held by his superior officers:
''Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, February 11', 1903.
"To Whom It May Concern: Principal Musician A. H. Wall, band master of
Twenty-fourth Infantry, United States Army, was on duty with his regiment in the
campaign before Santiago de Cuba July 8 to August, 1898. On the 2nd day of July,
1898, IMncipal Musician Wall was of great assistance to me in caring for the wounded
under fire of the enemy and, after dark, worked with others in digging a trench for
burial of the remains of eight men who had died of wounds during the day. The
location was on the ridge of the bank of the San Juan river. While digging the trench
the Spaniards opened a terrific fire on our lines; Wall and his comrades were in. M
dangerous and much-exposed position, but, instead of abandoning their work, dropped
into the trench. When the firing ceased they finished the trench and covered the
remains after I held the services about midnight. I repeatedly saw Principal Musician
A. H. Wall, band master of Twenty-fourth Infantry, U. S. A., while on duty. He was
always neat and soldierly in appearance, respectful, well-behaved and attentive to duty.
' ' I take pleasure, from my personal knowledge of his genial conduct, in commending
him to any one he may engage with for services he may be competent to perform.
"Chaslbs S. Walklby,
"Chaplain, Artillery Corps, U. 8. Army,"
The following is from the late Colonel Allensworth, a colored chaplain of the
Twenty-fourth Infantry, U. S. Army:
"Fort Harrison, July 16, 1903.
"To Whom It May Concern: This letter of commendation is given to Archie H.
Wall, principal Musician, U. S. Army, retired) late of the Twenty-fourth Infantry band,
to certify that I have known him since 1866. He is prompt, faithful, and true to the
interest of those who may place their confidence in him. He was one of the best
musicians in the Twenty-fourth Infantry band and one of its reliable non-commissioned
officers.
"Allen Allbnswobth,
"Chaplain, Twenty-fourth Infantry,"
"Fort Harrison, Montana, July 15, 1903.
"To Whom It May Concern: This is to certify I have known Principal Musician
Archie H. Wall, band master, Twenty-fourth Infantry, since 1899. I consider him an
excellent soldier and most manly, being honest, reliable, faithful and willing. In his
retirement from active service the Twenty-fourth Infantry band loses one of its best
and finest musicians and non-commissioned officers.
"James A. Moss,
"Captain and Adjutant, Twenty-fourth Infantry,"
"To Whom Is May Concern: I have known Principal Musician A. H. Wall, Twenty-
fourth Infantry, for the past fifteen years, during which time for several periods he
served directly under me, notably in the Santiago campaign, and I take pleasure in
saying that I have always found him to be a brave, loyal and well-disciplined soldier
and a sober, faithful and hard-working man.
"Charles E. Tayman, ^
"April 22, 1903." ' ' Cap||||fteef ^^UflfjO^lC
298 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
The above-named officer presented Principal Musician and Mrs. Wall with a hand-
some and immense silver nut-bowl while at Fort Douglass, Utah. Principal Musician
Wall told the writer that thirteen was his lucky number and recited the following to
prove his statement: Signed to Company ''H" August 13, 1876; sick in hospital thir-
teen days during his enlistment of thirty years. His oldest daughter was bom June
13, 1888. He scdled from San Francisco to Manila July 13, 1903. He is a member of
U. B. F. and charter member Spanish- American War Veterans, Guy V. Henry No. 3;
also charter member Noah Ark, 3207.
Principal Musician Wall was married June 1, 1885, to Miss Fanny McKay, of Louis-
ville, Kentucky. The union has been blessed by the birth of three children, Clifton^
Florence Wall-Murry and Lillian Wall- Williams. The children are all musical. They
were educated in the public school of Oakland and given every advantage. The girls
are attractive and leaders in society of the Bay cities, marrying befitting their station.
Their mother has a sketch in "Distinguished Women."
Mr. John W. Brown, the subject of this sketch, is the son of Mr. John B. and
Julia Miner, of Falmouth, Virginia. When a boy of eighteen years he enlisted in the
Ninth Cavalry and was considered a first-class rifle marksman; passed the examination
and was made regimental clerk of the regiment (Ninth Cavalry); afterward took the
examination for commissary sergeant.
During the Spanish-American War he was given a commission as second-lieutenant
in the Ninth Immunes and served until that regiment was brought back from Cuba.
When the insurrection begain in the Philippine Island he was given a commission as
first lieutenant in the Forty-eight Infantry Volunteers regiment of Negro soldiers.
After this campaign he returned to his former regiment, the Ninth Cavalry, the Forty-
eighth having been mustered out of service. After twenty-seven years of service he
was honorably retired with the rank of commissary sergeant.
Mr. Horace F. Wheaton, the subject of this sketch, aside from having a splendid
musical education, has a military record worthy of historical prominence. The record
is as follows: Horace F. Wheaton served in Company "L" of the Sixth Massachusetts
State Militia, which regiment responded to the call in 1898, in the war with Spain.
This regiment formed part of the army of occupation of Porto Bico, under General
Miles, with whom they first went to Cuba, but did not land. While stationed at TJtmado,
Porto Bico, Mr. Wheaton was detailed as nurse in one of the field hospitals, where his
experience gained from service and study at Tuft's College Medicid School, Boston,
Massachusetts, soon caused him to be promoted to acting hospital steward of Hospital
No. 3, for officers, with full charge of the same. That his services were satisfactory is
shown by his receiving a commission as second lieutenant in the Forty-ninth Infantry,
U. S. Army of Vohmters.
The requirements were to have served in the Spanish-American campaign with a
meritorious record. When such eligibles were called from Massachusetts, as colored
men, by the War Department at Washington, D. C, Mr. Horace F. Wheaton was one of
the four chosen from the list submitted. The Forty-ninth Begiment, like the Forty-
eighth, was organized for service in the Philippine Islands by act of Congress, March,
1899, to serve not later than June 30, 1901.
The subject of this sketch accepted his commission September 9, 1899. The regi-
ment was organized at Jefferson barracks, Missouri; sailed for Manila December 2, 1899,
arriving there January 2, 1900. On the I^and of Luzon, in the northern part of Ca^yan
Province, skirting the shores of the China Sea, is where Mr. Wheaton saw the most
service during the eighteen months on the island. He was on special duty of some
kind, such as detached service from the company to which he belonged, vnth a detail
of men doing guard or scout duty which was varied and arduous. He acted for some
time as acting commissary and quartermaster of the military district where a battalion
of the regiment was stretched over a long line of country. These and many other duties
that devolved upon an officer he performed.
He participated in important captures which, with the satisfactory performance of
his other duties, prompted Major Hinds, commander of the battalion above mentioned,
to recommend him for an appointment as officer in the Native Scouts, Philippines. But
the subject, being interested in medicine when he was mustered out, June 30, 1901,
returned to Boston and took up the study of medicine in one of the colleges of that city.
He did not finish, but decided to move td California, locating in Los Angeles, where he
stood the civil service examination and was appointed as clerk in the postoffiee of
that city.
In regard to his commission, Mr. Wheaton says: ''My commission I value very
highly, not only for the office and honor it represents and the many experiences that it
recalls, but because it is signed in the original handwriting of the martyred President,
William McSanley, also his secretary of war, Elihu Boot." Mr. ,g$f«^a F. Wheaton ia
OP CALIFORNIA 299
quite a musical factor in Los Angeles and was the leader of the largest concert orchestra
of colored musieianc^ that had ever been assembled in Los Angeles and which served
during the colored Chautauqua of August, 1915.
Captain Henry Batie, the subject of this sketch, came to Los Angeles, California,
from Grayson County, Texas, living in the State about seventeen years at the time of
his passing, October 29, 1916. He was in the United States Army, as a member of the
Twenty-fourth Infantry, dunhg the Spanish- American War, serving first as a musician,
then as corporal, then sergeant, of Companies *'K," "G," "F," the band, and
''L" company, quartermaster sergeant of the last named company while in Cuba.
Captain Batie, after the Cuban campaign, returned with his regiment to the United
States and then to his home in California, where he re-enlisted. He afterwards went with
Company ''L" of Twenty-fourth Infantry, U. S. Army, to Skagway, Alaska, and when
his last enlistment expired he remained in Alaska from May to December, 1899, after
which he returned to Los Angeles and married Miss Boberta, daughter of Mrs. Sara
Johnson, of San Diego, California. The union was blessed by the birth of one daughter,
Katherine, who grew to be very patriotic and w'as a Bed Cross worker to the time of
her death, which occurred May 30, 1918, at the age of fifteen years.
Captain Batie, after locating in Los Angeles, took an active part in every move-
ment of a benefit to the Negro race. He was an active member of the Afro-American
Council and was on a committee of citizens who presented ex-President Taft with a
gold card. He was also an officer of the General Harrison Gray Otis Marching Club,
of Los Angeles. He spent several years attending lectures at the International Bible
Institute, located in Los Angeles. He had about completed his course and was making
preparations to launch out in such work when, after a few weeks of illness, he watf
called to his reward.
Captain Batie was highly respected, a beautiful. Christian gentleman. He was
most happily married, and the grief of his passing led to the death of his only daughter
in less than a year from the date of his passing.
Mr. Arthur Wilson, the subject of this sketch, was bom in Charleston, South
Carolina; joined the Twenty-fifth Infantry at Charleston, South Carolina, in 1866, and
was honorably discharged at Jackson Barracks, Louisiana, in 1868. After being dis-
charged from the army Mr. Wilson went to New York City. He left that city with a
crew of eighty colored waiters and forty-two colored chambermaids, coming direct to
San Francisco, California, where !hey opened the Palace Hotel. Mr. John Bandolph
was the head waiter of the crew. Mr. Wilson worked in the hotel for three years.
Afterward he accepted a position with the wholesale house of Fletchheimer ft
Goodekine, serving them for five years, after which time he went to work for the
Pullman Car Company as porter, filling the position for five years, when he was given
the appointment as private car porter on the Southern Pacific Bailroad. He served in
this capacity for twenty-five years when, on account of heart trouble, he was retired
on a pension. He lived three years afterwards.
Mr. Wilson had several brothers living in the East, John, in Boston; William, in
Akin, South Carolina; Edward and Chester, in Lynchburg, Virginia, and one sister,
Maria. Mr. Arthur Wilson was married twice. His last wife was the youngest daughter
of the late Bev. Sanderson. He was a trustee of the Fifteenth Street A. M. E. Church,
of Oakland, a sincere and practical Christian gentleman and a devoted husband. His
death occurred shortly after his wife 's. They were a devoted couple and it is believed
her sudden passing hastened his demise.
'^ Another private who won an honorable discharge, a Mr. Arthur Ellis, a private of
Company "I,'' Eighth Begiment of Infantry of Illinois, volunteered on the 28th day
of June, 1898, to serve two years, or during the war, is hereby discharged from service
of the XJnited States by reason of muster-out of the regiment at Chicago, 3rd day of
April, 1899.
<<Fbsdebick Ballou,
"Captain, Eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
"Service, honest and faithful; character, good. Served in Spanish-American War
in Cuba."
"Army of United States. To All Whom It May Concern: Know ye that Arthur
Ellis, private of Troop "A" of the Ninth Begiment of Cavalry, who enlisted at Jeffer-
son Barracks, Missouri, on the 28th day of March, 1908, to serve three years, is hereby
honorably discharged from the Army of the United States by reason of expiration
term of service.
Digitized by VJV^V^^V LK.
300 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZEBS
"8aid Aithiir E. ElUfl was bom in 8t« Louis in the State of Mieeoari asd, when
enlisted, was thirty and nine-twelfths of a jear old; bj oeenpation a laborer No. 1;
eyes, blaek; hair, light brown.
''Given under mj hand at Fort Sam Honston, Texas, this 24th day of ICareh, 1911.
** J. 8. GuLForre,
" LiemtenatU-CoUmd of Cavalry^ Comwwnding.*'
''Charaeter, exeellent. H. A. Sievert, Captain of Ninth Cavalry, Commanding
Troop 'A.' Bemarks: Service, honest and faithful; served in Philippine Islands, May
3, 1908, to May 15, 1909."
This record is especially interesting because the subject is a grandson of the pioneer
barber of Oakland, a Mr. George Ellis.
It is with great pleasure that the writer is giving this sketch of a former officer in
the United States Army, now practicing the profession as a doctor in the City of Oak-
land, a portion of which has been copied from the Howard University records, in
which it said:
"William Whipple Pumell, Phar. D. M. D., Ophthalmia and Otology, 1895-8. Bom
January 25, 1869, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, son of James W. and Julia A. Pumell;
attended Howard University Normal and Preparatory Departments, 1880-5, afterward
the Pharmaceutical College sessions, 21, 22, 1888-90, and Medical College, sessions, 23,
24, 25, and graduated Phar. D. in 1890^ and M. D. in 1893. After which practiced medi-
cine in Washington, D. C. Was appointed first lieutenant and assistant surgeon Forty-
eighth United States Volunteers in 1899, Philippine Isles, during the insurrection. ' '
Dr. Pumell served as assistant instmetor in the Eye, Ear, Throat and Nose at
Howard University from 1893 to 1898. He was appointed first lieutenant, assistant
surgeon of the Eighth Immunes, United States Regulars, soldiers who were sent to
Chickamauga Park, Georgia, to prove that it was not unhealthy. This regiment was
afterward sent to Cuba and served during the Spanish-American War. At the close of
the war it was returned to the United States and mustered out of service.
Dr. Pumell was appointed as first lieutenant and later captain-surgeon with the
Forty-eighth Volunteer Infantry, serving with the regiment in the Philippine Islands
during the insurrection. The regiment returned to the United States and was mustered
out of service June 30, 1901. Mrs. Julia Brown, of Washington, D. C, mother of the
doctor, crossed the continent to welcome her son's return to the United States. She
advised him to locate in Oakland. Because of that advice today her son is the leading
Negro physician of the Bay cities and enjoys a rapidly growing practice among Italians,
Spanish and members of his own race. In 1895 he was married to Miss Theodora Lee,
of Chicago, a granddaughter of the late John Jones.
The union has been blessed by the birth of one son, Lee Julian Pumell, to whom
has been given the best education possible. He is very popular in all the schools he
has attended. While at the Berkeley hiffh he played basket ball and took part in football
and other activities. After entering the University of Califomia he was almost imme-
diately made a member of the Big '*C,'* He will graduate with the class of 1919 as
an electrical engineer. The first semester after the United States entered the war, Lee
Pumell was made a student officer and acted as such, drilling the lower classmen in mili-
tary tactics twice a week. After the Government decided to establish an officers'
training school at the University, Lee Julian Pumell entered the same with the hopes
of winning a commission.
Dr. Pumell is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Oakland, organizer of the
Elks Lodge; diiector of the K. of P.; member of the Railroad Men's Association, For-
resters and the Masons. Mrs. Pumell is one of the organizers of the Florence Night-
ingale Auxiliary to the Oakland Chapter of the Bed Cross, ai devoted member of the
St. Augustin Mission of the Episcopalian Church and thq Old Folks' home Exeeutive
Board.
The auxiliary of the Bed Cross, under the leadership of Mrs. Pumell, did mora
active work and raised more money during a Bed Cross drive than any other colored
auxiliary in the United States. The California race women were enthusiastic in their
effort to render service in the Bed Cross during the recent World's War for Democracy.
The State Federation of Colored Women's Clubs suspended all literary activities save
the teaching of the different communities the value to the race of united war work in
helping to win the war. The reports read at the annual meeting at Los Angeles and
the appearance of the different auxiliaries, with their chairmen all iu uniform, was
an encouraging and in^iring sight. They aided in strengthening the Negro soldiers in
the fight for a better place for the Negro people, after the war is won and peace has
been declared and signed.
Digitized by V3*^VJV LK.
CHAPTER XXII
History op tiie Negro at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition,
San Francisco, Cal.
This exposition was held to eommemorate the greatest achievement of engineering
skill ever accomplished by man — ^the completion of the Panama Canal. The exposition
lasted from February 20 to December 4, 1915. The City of San Francisco was selected
after a bitter fight between San Diego, California, and New Orleans, Louisiana, who
tried, but in vain, to secure the honor of holding the exhibition or World's Greatest
Exposition in their respective cities. The spirit and self-reliance of San Francisco
finally won for her the honor. The committee representing the city, in addressing the
Congress of the United States, among other things said that if given permission to
hold the exposition in, that city they would build the greatest of all expositions free of
cost to the United States Government. This statement was remarkable because of the
memory that less than five years previously the entire city was a mass of ruins from
the earthquake and fire of 1906.
To build such a great exposition required money. The committee in charge who
were entrusted to see that this pledge was kept, sold stock to obtain money for the
project. The par value of the stock was one hundred dollars. Among the heaviest pur-
chasers in the colored race was Mr. Walter A. Butler, of Oakland, and Mrs. Frazier, of
San Francisco. This was a tremendous opening wedge for the Negro people in the
building of this great exposition.
The exposition was nearly completed when one of the daily papers of San Francisco,
the Call-Post, in an editorial asked its readers to suggest a pet name for this beautiful
exposition, their suggestions to be sent in sealed envelopes to the editorial rooms of the
paper. A committee, consisting of Mayor Bolph, of San Francisco; Mr. Henry Payote;
Charles B. Fields, editor of the Sunset magazine; Supervisor Andrew J. Gallager, Paul
Elder, publisher, and Haig Patigian, sculptor, was to pass on the names. There were
thirteen thousand persons who submitted names, but the honor came to a colored school
girl, little Miss Virginia Stephens, for being the first to suggest the name "Jewel City,"
a name that was voted the most correct. The papers in announcing the selection
devoted almost an entire page telling of the decision of the committee. Among other
things it said: "Jewel City, Fair's Pet Name. Committee makes selection christening
great exposition. 'Jewel City' will be popular name for Panama-Pacific International
Exposition. By unanimous agreement the committee of citizens appointed by Mayor
Bolph and President Moore, which met yesterday afternon to consider the suggestions
of thirteen thousand Calif ornians, decided 'Jewel City' was the phrase which best
expressed the impression conveyed by the exposition. The name which most pictur-
esquely described the architectural achivement of the fair. The decision of the judges
will be popular with San Franciscans. ' '
A week later the paper had the following to say editorially: "People like the name
'Jewel City' for their fair. Popular title selected by the 'Call-Post' symposium passes
into general usage. When the committee meets to select a name for an institution of
such infinite variety as the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, there is always
uncertainty about the result of the conference. Will the people accept the name so
chosen f Will the name really be popular f When Mayor Bolph 's citizen committee
surveyed the hundreds of suggested popular titles for the exposition and unanimously
chose 'Jewel City' as the most appropriate, they knew some thirty readers of this news-
paper had offered that as their opinion. But they had no means of knowing that it
would be the popular name with the people, that other publications and other people
would adopt it as the most picturesque and striking name for the wonderland, within
the green walls of the fair. The na'me was selected for cogent reasons. It sparkled
with the gems of the ' Tower of Jewels ' and it gave the dominating idea of beauty and
precionsnesB which is inherent in the exposition. But the committee knew the public is
whimsical and might not accept the idea. But it has. The name 'Jewel City' has
caught the popular fancy and has been incorporated into the literature of the exposition.
In the description of the exposition published in a booklet by a large local firm, 'Jewel
City' is the synonym for the expo^tion. Futhermore, in the current number of the
well-edited JawmaH of Electricity we find a handsomely UlnstTated article entitled,
'Illumination of Jewel City.'
"The young school girl of Oakland, Miss Virginia Stephens, who first suggested
* Jewel City' as the pet name for, the fair has great reason to be poud ^he^^^acidty
302 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
for striking a popular note and for first seizing on the word which to the world becomes
obviously the right one."
The writer considers this editorial just quoted of historical value; first, because it
appeared one week after the selection of the name 'Jewel City/ and also because, in a
few hours after the committee made their selection^ they were told that the girl was a
Negro child.
This little colored girl seems to have been blessed with unusual events from her
birth, which occurred while her father, Mr. William Stephens, was private car man for
the well-known family, the Orockers, of Ban Francisco and Burlingame. The family
was very fond of Mr. Stephens and welcomed the birth of his daughter. When Miss
Virginia Stephens was christened ' * Virginia * ' she was given a gift of a solid silver cup
to commemorate the occasion by Hon. Francis Burton Harrison, the present Governor
of the Philippine Islands. The reader will readily recall that the father of Mr. Har-
rison was the private secretary to, and was captured and imprisoned with Jefferson
Davis, while he was President of the Confederacy.
Mr. William Stephens made no attempt to announce the identity of his daughter,
lest she be denied the honor of naming the fair "Jewel City," and notwithstanding
the selection was made in January, there was no attempt to give her public recognition
by the race until "Alameda Day," which occurred late in June of that year. The
colored citizens were asked to participate in the parade, whereupon the writer insisted
that Miss Virginia Stephens be given a prominent place. Miss Mira Simmons, who at
the time was president of the Colored Civic Center, and had the task of marshaling the
colored people together, readily consented, which resulted in little Miss Virginia Ste-
phens, together with seventy-five colored children, riding through the streets of Sui
Francisco on a float in the parade, with a huge banner proclaiming the fact that Miss
Virginia Stephens named the fair "Jewel City." The writer at the time was a speeial
feature writer for the daily Tribune (Oakland) and saw that proper mention was made
through the press that the pet name of the fair, "Jewel City," was given by a colored
girl who rode in state in the parade on Alameda Day to and over the great exposition
grounds.
The reader has traced the building and naming of the greatest exposition. We
will now trace the Negro throughout the fair, showing the great progressive spirit of
the West in his plAce hi this the greatest of all expositions. The reader will now take
an imaginary stroll with the writer through the predominating court of the exposition,
which was called "The Court of the Universe," and it has been said it was patterned
after the square before St. Peter 's at the Vatican, in Borne. The main entrance to this
court was through the "Tower of Jewels," a magnificent structure and thoroughly
original in its every appointment, towering fully four hundred and twenty feet, hnng^
with myriads of semi- jewels which were made of hand-cut glass by Austrian workmen
and were just finished and on their way to the United States when the World's War
was announced. These jewels were of the five soft pastel colors selected by Mr. J»
Guerine, who had charge of the color scheme of the exposition. They sparkled in the
noon-day sun and at night as real jewels, and were a wonderful sight.
There were two other gateways to this the greatest of exposition courts. These
gateways were built after the pattern of the ' ' Triumphant Arch of Constantine, ' * with
the exception that they had placed on top groups of allegorical figures made of trav-
itine. They had their own significance in carrying out the idea of the "Court of the
Universe." The first gateway after leaving the central gate, "The Tower of Jewels,'*
was that of the "Nations of the East." On top of the "Triumphal Arch of the Bising
Sun" were grouped, in imitation of sculpture, figures representing: The Arab Shiek on
his steed; the Negro servitor, with fruit on his head; the Egyptian on his camel, carry-
ing a Mohammedan standard; the Arab falconer, with bird on wrist; the splendid Indian
Prince, on the back of the elephant, inside the howdah; the Spirit of the East; the
Lama from Thibet, with his rod of authority; the Mohammedan, with his crescent,
stands against a Negro servitor; the Mongolian on his horse.
Across the sunken gardens and on the opposite side of the Court of the Universe
was Jhe "Gateway to the West." On the "Triumphal Arch of the Setting Sun" were
figures of the "Nations of the Occident." From left to right you see the figures of the
French-Canadian, the trapper, the Alaskan, with her Totem-poles on her back; the
Latin-American on horseback, the German, the Italian, the Anglo-American; the squaw,
with her papoose basket; the American Indian on his horse; in the center the old
prairie schooner drawn by the great oxen, and on the tongue of this schooner the fignre
of a hale and hearty young woman, representing the "Mother of Tomorrow." Atop
of the prairie schooner was "Enteiprise," represented by a kneeling figure with arms
raised, pushing out, and on either side of this figure was a white boy and colored boy,
Digitized by VJH^V^/V IV^
OP CALIPOBNIA 303
representing the "Heroes of Tomorrow." In front marches that stalwart ''Mother of
Tomorrow." It has taken all these figures of the Occident to produce the work that is
eoming in the future, in the achievements due to the completion of the Panama Canal.
Therefore they co- jointly express the "Mother of Tomorrow," a typical representation
of the progressive spirit of the West, and especially California. In the "Nations of
the East," the Negro is represented as a servitor; in the "Nations of the West" sitting
on a level and facing each other a white boy and a colored boy with Enterprise or
energy pushing back of them, representing the * * Heroes of Tomorrow. ' ' To prove the
statement that this spirit of an equal chance with others at the P. P. I. E. the reader
will now visit the last entrance to this "Court of the Universe." Unlike the other
entrances, this had a bandstand in the center and overlooking the Bay of San Fran-
cisco. During the entire period of the exposition every afternoon the Philippine band,
with their Negro leader. Major Walter Loving, gave a concert, and at the same hour
there were concerts given by different famous bands with their great white leaders in
the other courts of the exposition. There are numerous instances of this kind the writer
might cite. Take, for instance, Alameda Bay; they had a street parade in San Fran-
cisco in which Virginia Stephens rode in state. They also had in this parade two floats
of Colored people, one of which contained colored ladies ,members of the Oakland Civic
Center and clubs, and a float of seventy-five colored school children waving American
Flags and the Bear Flag. After the parade had traversed the exposition grounds, the
school children had a special program, and, among other things, a drill consisting in
forming a human American Flag. The Negro children were included in this Flag-drill,
together with all other races of children of Alameda County schools.
When the American Athletic University Track meet was held on the athletic
grounds there were a number of colored boys. Aside from Howard Drew, there were
8oL Butler, B. Morse, Irving Howard and Binga Dismond. Such events often occur
where colored college boys appear with white college or university boys. But this
special event was given much publicity and especially the colored entries in the meet.
Another event that deserves more than a passing notice was the celebra-
tion of Lincoln Day. The parade that preceded the exercises, which were held in
Festival Hall, was composed of regiments of Coast Artillery, a battalion of Marines,
Naval detachments from warships in the San Francisco Harbor, Cavalry troops. Ambu-
lance companies, and Field Hospital troops. This splendid parade was led by one
thousand Negro troops, or practically all of the Twenty-fourth Begiment of U. S. Negro
soldiers, then stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco. Three days previous Uiis
same regiment of Negro troops were selected to escort the Liberty Bell over the expo-
sition grounds and through the streets of San Francisco to the Southern Pacific depot,
where it started on its way back to Philadelphia.
In regard to Negro exihibits at the Exposition, there were not a great many because
of the exposition t^t was being held in the City of Chicago by the colored eitizens
throughout the Nation, in commemoration of the Fifty Years of Freedom. There were
some colored exhibits at the exposition in San Francisco of a nature to reflect credit
upon the race. In the Educational Palace, the Department of Education of the United
States Government had a wonderfully arranged set of charts and pictures of historical
value in that they showed the progress of the Negro race from the cotton fields of ante-
bellum days to the holding of a post mortem and clinics in a colored hospital, surrounded
by Negro doctors and nurses. Another set of charts portrayed the Negro in the indus-
tries and the sciences. They also had pictures of some of the leading schools for higher
education, showing their grounds and buildings, and, in many instances, classes at
graduation. This was especially noticeable in the picture of Meharry Medical College.
The most interesting of all these charts, which had the effect of cheering those who
thought that the United States Government was not interested in their progress, were
the charts showing the race's greatest need for more doctors, dentists and men and
women in the other professions. In another part of this exhibit was a well-filled book-
case of Negro books. The desks, chairs and the bookcase were the work of Negro
students of Hampton Institute, located in Virginia. Adjoining this exhibit were several
exhibits of work from the public schools for the race in Washington, D. C. The M
Street high school. Normal No. Two, and also the Armstrong Manual Training School, all
of Washington, D. C, had wonderful exhibits in water color paintings, domestic science,
and architectural plans for a residence. The needle work, charcoal sketches, machinery,
wood-turning and rugs were especially fine. Would that space permitted giving details
of each exhibit from the Washington, D. C, colored schools. The Summer High School
for colored in St. Louis had a collection of essays, and also two very creditable charcoal
sketches, work of students, one by Miss Agnes Fort, and another by Miss Kate Smith.
They were "Winged Victory" and a colored Episcopalian church of St. Louis.
In the Food Exhibit Palace, there was exhibited all during the fair an automatic
304 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
oitruB press, the invention of two colored people of Oakland, California. In the Idaho
State Building there were two pieces of water-color paintings, work of colored public
school children. In the Virginia State Building were hung pictures of the Colored
Institute of West Virginia, lowing the diiferent buildings, grounds and pictorea of a
few students.
In the Mississippi State Building there was an entire room set aside for the exhibiting
of the handiwork of colored students from the Tougaloo University, of Mississippi, these
exhibits consisting of furniture for a dining room, andirons and hardware, together with
the entire plans for a six-room house. They showed needlework which represented the
progress of a student, from the making of a kitchen-apron to a reception gown, fancy
French embroidery and many other dainty pieces of handiwork. This exhibit was the
only exihibitywith the exception of a few products, in the Mississippi State Building.
The exhibit by colored students from this State was noticeable, because of the bitter
fight made by it to keep California out of the Union. It was the Hon. Jefferson Davis
of Mississippi who led the Southern States to rebellion, and, after fifty years, this State
was the only one in the Union with a creditable Negro exhibit. It was especially
encouraging to the writer because it portrayed a better understanding between the races.
In the Palace of Fine Arts there was a magnificent painting by Henry O. Tanner,
"Christ in the House of Lazarus." This painting received the gold medid. Mr. Tan-
ner is one of five of the world's celebrated spiritual painters. He )iaq many pictures
that the Government of France has purchased from hiin, and they are now in the great
art galleries of that country. There was also exhibited a finely executed hand-pabited
portrait of Mr. Tanner by a celebrated white painter from Philadelphia, a former teacher.
In the French Pavilion, the librarian and interpreteii was a gentleman of French
and Negro extraction, a Mr. Jean J. Adams, a cultured gentleman who was a graduate
of the University of France. He was very much grieved over the manner in wM^ the
(Germans were devastating the beautiful country of France. He was, as he said, glad
that the war had at least begun, for France had for years lived on edge with the taunting
of the Zeppelins. Often when there was a great fete day, a Zeppelin would sud-
denly land in their midst, or, at the still hour in' the night, one would be aroused by
cannonading. Upon inquiry you learned that the E^aiser had decided to call his men
to practice a battle in the mountains just for exercise. He then sighed and said: "After
all, it is better to be in actual war than to live in this constant dread; but ah! the
sacrifice of human lives, for France will never surrender as long as a French man or
woman can fight." Like all true Frenchmen, he loved dear Paris. He was the author
of "The Chronology of History."
The Panama-Pacific International Exposition held many special days, at which times
many colored people exhibited creditable stock or other things. It was imposiUble for
the writer to visit all these different exhibits, but she^ has the pleasure of giving an
account of one who exhibited and won several prizes. That lady is the daughter of a
pioneer by the name of Mrs. Abigal Nugent of San Francisco. Her daughter, a Mrs.
Margret Hatton, is interested in fine Persian cats. She was presented by a friend sev-
eral years ago with a fine Persian cat, and immediately began the study of the care of
such cats, which has resulted in the breeding of the celebrated "Prince You Know,"
which took the first prize in the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, and a speckd
prize from an admirer.
The first prize given was a handsome silver cup, fuUy ten inches high and the blue
ribbon, by the P. P. L Exposition. Mrs. Hatton 's "Prince You-Know" won first prixe
at the Cat show in Oakland, in 1914. Afterward Mrs. Hatton decided to join the Cat
Club of that city. She has the distinction of being the only colored lady cat fancier
on the Pacific Coast and a member of the Pacific Cat Club. The following account of
this celebrated cat is quoted from The CiU Courier, June 15, 1915, in wmch It said.
" 'Prince You-Know,' orange-eyed, white neuter, owned by Mrs. M. E. Hatton, of San
Rafael, California, was judged best 'golden-eyed' white male kitten at the Callromia
Club cat show in Oakland, 1914. Hei also won two silver cups, among other speciala.
He won the same awards in the Pacific Coast cat show in San Francisco in 1914. He
won two cups at the show when he was only six months old — quite a killing for a cat
of that tender age." The following is from The Western Cat Fancier, published in San
Francisco January, 1915: "Mrs. Hatton 's 'Prince You^Know' won first prize in his
class, 'Golden-eyed' white male kitten, and second prize as a novice of the same clasa,
receiving a blue and red ribbon for the best white kitten under seven months descendant
of 'Toodles.' He received a special prize, a silver cup. He won while as novice in the
same class, and two special, a silver cup and a string of rose beads, end only six and a
half months old." Mrs. Hatton has five Persian cats, "Lady Bowena," in open clasa,
which in the novice class won yellow and pink ribbons at the Pillama-Pacific Intemm-
tional Exposition. Digitized by vj^^i^/v l^
CHAPTER XXIII
The End of the Trail
The beginning of the blazing of a new trail for the Present Day Negro in Oalif omia
is evinced by the doings of the following prominent Negro citizens:
Dr. Wilbur Clarence Gordon, of I^s Angeles, who during the first month of the
Spanish infinenza epidemic, had one hundred and ninety-six new eases, besides his
regular practice. Many of the new cases were families of well-to-do white persons, who
employed this Negro physician and Negro trained nurses.
Mr. Errol Marshsil, a successful Negro furniture dealer in Oakland, who was the
first Negro in the State to receive the nomination as candidate for County Clerk of
Alameda County. He lost the election by a small margin.
Mr. James Bishop, of Modesta, California, who has opened a first class carpet and
house furnishing store in a town where he will have to depend almost entirely on white
trade.
Bev. J. Stout, of the C. M. E. Church, who has succeeded in opening the doors of
the public schools of the State to many Negro teachers.
Mr. C. E. Brunson, of Santa Monica, who had an objectionable sign removed from
the pleasure pier of that beach town.
Bev. Shaw, of Los Angeles, whose partiotic sermons have greatly aided in the three^
million dollars subscribed by California Negroes to the Fourth Liberty Loan.
Frederick Madison Boberts, the first Negro ever elected to the California legist-'
ture. He represents the Seventy-fourth District. He was very ill during the first
weeks of the first session, but recovered in time to be sworn in, and to cast his Vote
for National prohibition, and introduced sixteen bills of vital interest to the Negro race
before the first recess of the first session of 1919.
Miss Gladys Beo Harris, the first Negro girl to graduate in sociology and stood the
civil service examination in a class of sixty-seven, out of which seventeen passiBd. This
colored girl passed and received an appointment as supervisor of charities among the
colored people in Los Angeles County. Her work was so satisfactory that in less than
a year she was given work among all races.
Hugh Mcbeth, a young negro attorney of Los Angeles, recently had 'the distin-
guished honor of addressing the Southwestern District Convention supporting the League
of Nations at their executive sessions held at the St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco.
The subject of Mr. Mcbeth 's address was "The League of Nations as a Guarantee to
Weaker People." Other speakers addressing that body were ex-President William
Howard Taft, and Hon. Benjamin Ide Wheeler, President of the University of Cali-
fornia at Berkeley.
Mr. WiUiam Shores (Daddy), who for thirty years has served as special officer of
the Security Bank of Los Angeles, was recently honored by having his sketch and
picture appear in the publication of the history of the Bank.
Captain T. Nimrod McKinney arrived in San Francisco, California, November 15,
1917, and immediately reported to the representatives of the Federal State Department,
that Passport Frauds were being perpetrated by so-caUed American citizens in Japan
and China, who had taken out citizenship papers, but who, upon the declaration of
war against Germany by the United States, went to Siberia for the purpose of obtaining
fraud^ent passports and documents of former citizenship. The Princess Juliana, the
Dutch steamer on which Captain McKinney and many of the above class of persons
travelled from China and Japan, was detained in Sa^ Francisco, and all passengers
of Bussian and other descent were taken to Angel Island for a rigid investigation*
Captain McKinney soon discovered that it was not the policy of the War Depart-
ment to assign colored Americans to staff positions such as a Captain Quartermaster
administrative section in accordance with his qualification, and he accepted an invita*
tion from the Women's Department Educational Propaganda Council of National De-
fense, and in this capacity gave one year of successful and eifebtive service to his
country without pay, and at the sacrifice of his own personal fortune. This was truly
an act of heroism and sacrifice.
The MtmUa Times of the Philippine Islands under date of October 6, 1917, spoke of
Captain T. Nimrod McKinney as a well-known local merchant who had received a Com-
missioB as Captain Quartermaster in the United States Army. The ''Crisis," under date
of April, 1918, made honorable mention of Captain McKinney and his standing in the
PhilippiiM IsUinds as a soldier, an organizer, author, and merchant. The Honolulu
306 THB NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Star-Bulletin, under date of November 16, 1917, said: "T. Nimrod McKinney, manager
of the Manila Commiflaion Oo» and the Manila Transportation Ck>., and Mrs. MeS^inney,
are in Honolulu today en route to San Francisco, in. their party are also Dr. Bamon
Abril and wife and Ara Pueo, well known in commercial and Spanish social circles of
Manila, who are on their way to Spain. McKinney reports that business conditions
in Manila are booming and that the basiness men of the Philippine capital are mastering
every situation brought about by America's declaration of war against Germany. He
says: 'We can sell everything we can raise, but now have no bottoms with which
to make delivery ' * * * McKinney intends to enter the war service of the United States.
* * * He passed through here eighteen years ago with the American army of occupation
when it was bound for the Philippines. He is an officer on the quartermaster reserve
corps."
Lieut. Osceolo E. McEaine, in an article ''With the Buffaloes in France," in the
Independent magazine, under date of January 11, 1919, said: "*** Perhaps the most
significant and important phase of the war's reaction is the enthunastic and uncondi-
tional acknowledgment by the colored soldier of intelligent, efficient and successful black
leadership. He has acquired an inordinate and passionate love and respect for the colored
officers. The black man, in the ranks demands black superiors. This acknowledgment,
this love and respect, forever refutes the contention that black men could not suc-
cessfully lead black men, for these black officers led their 'Buffaloes' successfully and
sometimes brilliantly, in the carnage of Chateau Thierry, the bloody and bitter Argonne
and in the eleventh hour drive on Metz. When the peace bells tolled their first stroke
its echo found the old 15th New York (colored) the nearest American troops to the
Bhine, and the 867th Infantry (the Buffaloes), the nearest Allied troops to Mets."
Many of these officers were CaUfomians. Among the number who won distinctive
honors was Dr. Olaudine-Ballard of Los Angreles, who won the Croix de Chierre, at
Mont des Singes (monkey-mountain) on the banks of Ailette Biver, the key to the
Hindenburg line. His citation follows:
"59-Division
"Infanterie
"Etat-major "Bxtract de I'Ordre decitations No. 62.
"Le General Bondeau, commandant L Infanterie de la 59th Division, cite a I'Ordre
de la Brigade. Le Lieutenant, Docteur Ballard, Claudius, der 37th, B. I. U. 8. Pendant
les operations du 30 Septembre and 13 Octobre, 1918, est reste a son poste quoqne
blesse et a soigne se^ camarades avee un devotement extraordinaire jusqu'a ce que son
Battaillon soit relev^.
"Le (General Bondeau, Commandant.
-"L'F. D. 59.
"(Signed) BONDEAU."
The English translation of the above is as follows:
"59th Division ^ November 24, 1918.
"Infantry
"Major General's Office.
"Extracts of Orders of Citation No. 62.
"General Bondeau, commanding the Infantry of the 59th Division, cites this
Brigade order. Lieut. Dr. COaudius Ballard of the 370th Begimental Infantry, U. 8.
During the operations of September 30 to October 13, 1918, he remained at his post,
although wounded, and administered aid to his comrades with an extraordinary devotion
until his Battalion was relieved.
"General Bondeau, Commandant of the 59th Infantry Division.
"(Signed) BONDEAU."
S. P. Johnson, eighteen years in Los Angeles, came from Emporia, Kansas. He
entered the labor movement in 1903, was soon elected local representative, and has for
the past fifteen years served as its business manager. In 1905 he was elected General
Secretary of the International Union at a convention held in Kaifsas City, Mo., and has
held the position ever since, the only colored man holding such a position over whites
and colored in this country. Served seven years as Grand Master of the Odd Fellows
of California, now serving his eighth year as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge;
also Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chi^ter of California; (}enmd
Secretary Western Baptist Association; President of Kansas Club, and holds many other
positions of trust: now in the undertaking business.
There has been a great number of the "Black Boys of Uncle Sam" from Calif onda
who have won distinction in the recent World's War. Among this number is Sergeant
OP CALIFORNIA 307
Edward Oarlisley a member of the let Battalion 867th Infantry, who won the Oroix de
Ouorre for eoorageous eonduct nnder shell fire and evaeuation of Freneh prisoners just
before the signing of the armistice.
Sergeant Leonelle Fortier, member of Machine Gnn Company, 365th Infantry, 92nd
Division IT. 8. A. On gnard duty with mounted guns in life boats for submarines while
crossing the Atlantic ocean; operated a machine gun in the drive on Metz.
William Bagsdale, a first class private in the Medical Corps, 92nd Division, 365th
Infantry, served eighteen months, during which time was on the field of action during
the hardest fighting and administered to the wounded especially in the Marbarehe
Sector and in the £ive on Metz.
THE BLACK BOYS IN KHAKI
By MBS. A. C. H. BILBBEW
Black Boys in khaki,
We're mighty proud of you;
You started in to make the Allies win.
And you've seen the whole thing thru.
With your Anglo comrade by your side.
Fighting for liberty.
Like him you shed your blood and died
For a World Democracy.
No shot or shell nor swift shrapnel
Could make you quake or quail.
But always steady at your post,
Tou knew you dare not falL
The monster cannon's mighty roar
Was music to your ear,
The sickening deadly poisonous gas.
You didn't dread nor fear.
You were a puzzle to the Hun,
He could not understand
How you fought with rifle, bayonet or gun.
And never missed your man.
The old 15th Infantry and 8th Illinois,
Are in a class all their own;
Needham Boberts, and Johnson who won
the Croix de Guerre
For holding off twenty-four Boches alone.
Black Boys in khaki,
Your mothers are proud of you.
And they prayed to God to give you strength
To prove you were soldiers true.
Your sweethearts, wives and children
At home were staunch and true;
While you were out in No Man's Land,
Their thoughts were all for you.
Black Boys in khaki,
Stance is mighty proud of you.
For you fought like demons to save Paris,
From the hands of the Fritzies, too.
When Alsace sighed and Lorraine cried.
Till her streets with tears were wet;
With your Anglo comrade by your ^de.
You helped America pay her debt. DigifeedbyGoOglc
;;308 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Black Boys in khtki,
America is proud of 70a,
For you have proven once for all,
Ton 're Amerieans thru and thru.
And if she could establish Democracy
Away across the sea,
There is no doubt she'll bring it about
In her own land of the free.
Then when she lifts her voice to sing
"My Country, 'tis of thee,"
Twelve million strong we'll catch the strain^
''Sweet Land of Liberty."
Black Boys in khaki, ^ ^^
We're mighty proud of you, M(f
You started in to make the Allies win,
And you've seen the whole thing thru.
Dennis McG. Mathews, of Los Angeles, received his commission as First Lieutenant
of Infantry in U. 8. Army October 15, 1917, upon his graduation from the 17th Provisional
Training Camp (colored) at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He afterward entered the Divisional
Infantry School of Arms, 86th Division, National Army, Camp Grant, Illinois, completing
a special course of instruction in Machine Gunnery, Mechanism and Tactics section; later
he qualified at the same school to instruct in Field Fortification. After reaching France
he took a special course in Machine Gunnery at Gondrecourt, France, Fint Corporal SehooL
He was second in command of Company C, 850th Machine Gun Battalion, 92nd Division,
in the Mets sector the day the Armistice was signed, and when the Battalion ceased firing
they found out that the Armistice had been signed fifteen minutes before. After the
signing of the Armistice he was made Town Mayor of Lassay, Department of Mayenne,
France, where there were two thousand soldiers and seventy-six officers billetted of the
349th, 350th and 351st Machine Gun Battalion. First Lieutenant Mathews had seen pre-
vious service with the 23rd Kansas in the Spanish-American War, and also in the Navy.
William Lee Bryson, of Los Angeles, wss First Sergeant of Company D, 25th Infan-
try, U. S. A., and attended the Training School for Officera at Fort Dee Moines, Iowa,
and won a commission as Captain. He afterward served in France with the National Army
with Company E, 367th Infantry.
Lieutenant Joumee White, Los Angeles real estate operator, gave up his business to
. do his bit overseas. He was commissioned at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, October. 15, 1917,
. and went to France with the 367th Infantry, or the ''Buffaloes" as the regiment was
. afterwards called. For his gallantry and heroism in battle before Metz he was decorated
with the Croix de Guerre along with the First Battalion of his regiment. After his return
to Los Angeles the Daily Express honored Lieutenant '^^te by publishing his picture and
the following article which was headed ''Officer Praises Colored Yanks' Courage in War: "
"That the American Negro displayed high courage in the world war is attested by
Lieut. Joumee White (colored), formerly Los Angeles real estate man, who has just re-
turned wearing the Croix de Guerre. 'The Negro has done his part in this war,' said
Lieutenant White today. 'He does not claim to have done any more than any one else,
but he does want the world to know and give him credit for what he actually achieved. If
he gets that it will be much.
" 'In front of the men with the 367th Infantry, 92nd Division (Buffaloes) the dark
Americans were assailed with every possible German propaganda. The Germans tried to
get us to give up, to play the part of traitors. To spy on the government, some of us were
offered high commissions in the German Army. Others were offered high prices, and all
were promised real liberty and democracy in Germany. Yet I do not know of a single
American Negro having been shot for treason. His loyalty could not be shaken.' Accord-
ing to Lieutenant White his regiment saw its hottest fighting before Metz, one of the final
and decisive battles of the war."
Lieut. White was the assistant regimental supply officer, having been promoted to the
staff by Colonel James A. Moss, the organizer of the 367th Infantry (Buffaloes). There
. were one hundred colored California men in this regiment, all of whom made good. Special
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OP CALIPOENIA 309
mention must be made of the splendid reeord made by some of these men who were drafted
and as privates won commissions, namely: Sergeant Kaool Beynolds, Platoon Sergeant;
J. H. Gray, to Sergeant, and Mr. Lucas to SMond Lieutenant; also Josiah Banks for
heroism, V^deU Baker who was wounded at La Chapelle, St. Dil sector, and William
Johnson who was killed while speeding to his Colonel with an important messi^, one of
the most efficient of all messengers and a most loyal and obedient soldier. He died a hero.
He was the first Los Angeles colored drafted man to be killed and was a member of the
Supply Company, 367th Lifantry, 92nd Division.
Aurelious P. Alberga, of San Francisco, won his commission as First Lieutenant at
the Training School at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He served as First Lieutenant, 365th Li-
fantry B.C. He also served as Begimental Athletic Officer from November 4, 1917, for
six mpnths of training in the United States. During this time he conducted many boxing
contests, cross country runs, baseball games and many other athletic events, and shows
exceptional aptness for this kind of work.
F. C. SWERTZER,
Captain and Adjutant, 365th Infantry.
On the evening oil October 21, 1918, this ofSeer with Colonel N. &. Marshall, Com-
pany A, 365th Infantry, conducted a raid on the German lines at Bois-Freharte, returning
through a two-hour artillery box barrage without the loss of a man, and gaining valuable
information.
John H. Shxffixld,
Major, 365th Infantry.
Lieut. Alberga trained and instructed Company A from November 3, 1917, until this
company went into Verges sector.
Wai/feb Lowk,
First Lieutenant Commanding Company A, 365th Infantry.
Last, but not least, little Charles Bagland, age twelve, member of Troop 102, L. A.
Boy Scouts of America, won a medal from the U. S. (Government for selling more Liberty
Bonds than any othei* Colored Boy Scout in this State. He sold in the Fourth Liberty
Bond drive ten Bonds, and one Cash Bond.
Sergeant Charles Baymond Isum, of Los Angeles, a native son of a native son
(Thomas Isum, of San Jose). Sergeant Isum was drafted and from the ranks of a private
was promoted for efficiency to Sergeant of the Medical Department and served with the
365th Infantry, First Battalion (the buffaloes), serving in the front line trenches admin-
istering first aid in the Voges, St. Die Sector, Argonne Forest, and the Marbaehe Sector.
Sergeant Isum saw eighteen months of service in France, during which time he adminis-
tered to wounded soldiers. During the German raids of October 14-15, 1918, he admin-
istered to one hundred and twenty-seven men who had been gassed. After this he entered
the ruined town of Pont-A-Mousson in the Marbaehe Sector. In this Sector he rendered
first aid to and evacuated patients under constant shell fire from November 5 to Novem-
ber 10, 1918.
On the morning of November 10 he was ordered to move his station to Lesmenil
which the day before had been in the heart of ''No Man's Land" but had been captured
by the 365th Infantry during the night of the 10th in the drive on Metz. He moved his
station under a terrific barrage of German 75 's and 155 's. So terrific was the barrage
that it was impossible tq set up a station and he took refuge for the night in the ruins
of an old farm house at Lesmenil. The Germans began a barrage of gas around the ruins
of the farm house during the night, gassing all the occupants. The majority of those
gassed were sent to the hospital on the morning of the eleventh of November, but Sergeant
Isum refused to be evacuated, having a desire to be on the field of action when the war
closed. He was afterward awarded the Wound Chevron by orders of Lieut.-Colonel Deitsch,
Commanding Officer.
Personnel Intelligence Sergeant Henry Mahammitt Brooks, bom in WilUston, North
Dakota, 1895. Educated in public schools of Orange County, California; graduated from
the Huntington Beach High School, the only Negro boy to graduate in that county. He
qualified for athletic work and was indorsed by the Athletic Association of Southern Cali-
fornia and his private instructors for a position in the Kansas City public schools at
Kansas City, Missouri He was called into the service of his country from that city in
October, 1917. He was made Corporal at Camp Lewis and Sergeant at Camp Grant, and
later Personnel Intelligence Sergeant, and while serving in France was engaged in map
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310 THE NEGBO TRAIL BLAZERS
makiiig. He also taught physical culture during his eighteen months' service in the
National Army. He was attached to the 350th Machine Gun Battalion, 92nd Division
(the Buffaloes). He has prepared a book on ''The Trail of the Buffaloes in France"
and will publish it soon.
Lieut. Eugene Lucas, Company A, 868th Infantry, National Army, has resided in Los
Angeles for over ten years, during which time was an emissary of the County Jail of Los
Angeles County during Sheriff Hammell's administration, serving three years and seven
months. He was later certified by the Civil Service Commission for a position as Water
Front Guard at San Pedro, CaUfomia, the present Mayor, W. T. Woodman, being presi-
dent of the Harbor Commissioners at that time. Mr. Lucas filled this position until the
call of his country through the draft of October 27th, 1917. He was sent to Camp Lewis,
American Lake, Washington. He was sent to the officers' training school at Gamp
Funston, Kansas, January 5th, 1918. He graduated from the officers' training school
April 19, 1918, and was assigned to headquarters troop, 92nd Division, in France July
22, 1918. He left the United States June 12, 1917, and arrived in France June 19, 1917.
He saw service in the following Sectors: Vosges from August to S^tember, and in the
Muse-Argonne from September 25th to 30th, and in the Marbache Sector from November
1 until the signing of the Armistice. Beceived honorable discharge from military service
at Camp Mead, Md., March 18, 1919, by order of Colonel Cmoyes, Commanding 17th
Infant^ U. S. A.
Lieut. Jessie Kimbrough saw service with the ''Buffaloes" as a Machine Gun
operator during the entire war and took part in some of the heaviest fighting with his
command during their engagement at Verdun, and especially the Argonne Foreot and
Marbache Sector. Mr. I&mbrough is one of Los Angeles' favorite sons, where he has
filled with honor many responsible positions.
There are many more men who have served with great honor and credit to the race
in the recent World War. It was impossible to give each a sketch because this volume
was completed and on the press when they returned. The author is proud of the ''Black
Boys of Uncle Sam" from CaUfomia and elsewhere throughout the Nation, and some
day will write their entire history, for there is no braver soldier in war than the Negro.
He not only fights for the glory of his country, but for the betterment of the condition
of the Negro race. He will gladly give up his life if it becomes necessary, because he
knows by his sacrifice there will be one more hero who will force the issue and thereby
blase a bettec trail for untold Negroes, proving to the worid th^ are worthy of every
right and privilege granted to other citisens of this United States of America. God bleas
Negro solders for their valor and sacrifices.
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CHAPTER XXIV
Notes on the Text
"The Broderiek-Terry Memorial real historical lesson; not the death of dueling,
but the end of local slavery agitation. In erecting two shafts to mark the site of the
historic encounter between Broderick and Terry, the Native Sons' Landmark Society
has performed a patriotic service, but it would be unfortunate if those monuments serve
only as reminders of the end of dueling in California. There is a broader meaning and
a deeper significance in that tragic contest which was not only the last chapter in the
history of the duel^ in this State, but also the final page of the story of the attempt to
carry California out of the Union. Of two such lessons why forget the nobler and
manlier onef Broderick, despite defects so characteristic of the times, was a sincere
and stalwart champion of the principles of Liberty. His mind admitted of no compro-
mise upon the question of human freedom. Neither color, nor creed, could vary his
application of the doctrine that men are born free and that no man comes into the
world either with spurs on his heels or a saddle on his back.
"He was a Democrat until the democracy of the South became permeated with the
determination to fight for the perpetuation of slavery. Broderick wa^ for free labor,
and to his efforts was very largely due the fact that this State was even temporarily
carried out of the Union in 1850. when he offered a bill against the immigration of free
Negroes; in 1852 he fought the ifugitive slave law; in 1857, in the United States Senate,
he delivered a sensational speech attacking the pro-slavery party, and a few months
later, in another address, said: 'How fool&h for the South to hope for success in such
an encounter. Slavery is old and decrepit and consumptive; Freedom is young^ strong
and vigorous. The one is naturally stationary and loves ease; the other is migratory
and enterprising.' It was for sentiments such as these that Broderick suffered the
series of attaclu which culminated in the insults which a vicious and radical code of
honor demanded he should avenge by a duel These shafts are not to honor the men
nor their duel, but to mark an historical incident, and for that reason the incident
should be read in the light of its de^»er significance." — (San Frane%$co Chronicle.)
Oalifomia — the name; Dante's Divina Comedia, when he represented the mountain
of Purgatory at the antipodes of Jerusalem crowned by the terrestrial Paradise. — Long-
fellow 's note to the Purgatories; first note, to the Purgatories, VoL II, Div. Com., p. 159.
Herrara, dec. VIII, libro VL Hale's "His Level Best." California, Dispute of the
Origin of the Name. "Known twice as long^as formerly supposed," says Porto Bican
Educator, Long accepted beliefs as to the origin of the name California have been
vehemently disputed by a new theory propounded by P. I. Miller, commissioner of edu-
cation at Porto Bico, in a letter to Professor Charles Edward Chapman of the Depart-
ment of History in the University of California. The earliest known use of the name
Calif omia has been supposed to be its appearance in the novel, "Las Sergas de Espla-
dian," published by Montalvo, in 1510, in which he told of the black Amazons ruling
the Island of California. However, the same was really known twice as long ago as
that, points out Commissioner Miller, for he caUs attention to the presence of the name
in the famous old French epic poem, "The Song of Boland," written about the dose
of the eleventh century, in which appears the line, "And those of Africa and those of
California." — (Quoted from the Daily Calif omian, March 16, 1916.)
California, admission of the State of, to the Union. Senator Benton's speech as
reported in the Congressional Olohe of the Thirty-first Congress, 446; first session.
Senate speech of Mr. Benton of Missouri, April 8, 1850. Senator Seward's speech on
"Admission of Calif omia," Congressional Olohe, March 11, 1850, p. 269^ Thirty-first
Congress, first session, under heading "California, Union and Freedom."
Colored Settlers— -First on the Pacific Coast. — "California Miscellany," VoL I, p. 9.
Address on the history of California from the discovery of the country to the year 1849,
delivered before the Society of California Pioneers at their celebration of the tenth
anniversary of the admission of the State into the Union, by Edward Bandolph, Sep-
tember 10, 1860, San Francisco. First colored settlers on Pacific Coast (p. 62), His-
tory of Santa Clara County, California, by J. P. Monroe Frazer, historian; also Ban-
croft's History of California, Vol. IV, p. 718; VoL ni, p. 413, 755; VoL IH, p. 230-248;
VoL IV, p. 400; 565; VoL I, p. 175; Palou's Notices, I, 401-451. Settlement of Lot
Angeles, Padron de 1781, MS., Ortega, in St. Pap. MS. and Colon, 1, 104-5.
Ceruti, Burton Edward, attorney at law. Crim. No. 1848. In bank, Deeember 18,
1914. The People — Bespondent vs. Burr Harris, appellant. The victim was a Mrs.
Bebecea P. Gay, Christian Scienee practitioner, having her office ia the H. W. Hellman
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312 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Building, in the Gitj of Loa Angeles, September 26, 1913. Arrested in Ban Diego, Oeto-
ber 5, 1913; admitted killing vietim with a blow on the head with a piece of iron pipe.
Appeal from a judgment of the Supreme Court of Los Angeles Oounty and from aa
order refusing a new trial; Frank B. Willis, judge. E. Burton Ceruti for appellant;
U. S. Webb, attorney general, and George Beebe, deputy attorney general, for respond'
ant. The judgment and order appealed from and ai&rmed. Melvin, J.; Henshaw, J.
Angellote, J., and Sloss, J., concurred. CaUfomia Beport, 169, p. 53, 1914-15. C. P.
Pomeroy.
The claim on behalf of the appellant was that he was subject to intermittant attacks
of a particular phase of epileptic insanity, defined by the medical experts called in
behalf as psychic epileptic equivalent, a condition where, instead of the usual convul-
sions, phenomena ordinarily known as epeileptic fits * * * are substituted from
time to time certain disturbances of mentality, during which consciousness of the indi-
vidual affected is so idtered that he is deprived of his full possession of his usual
faculties. He acts in a manner wholly foreign to his usual conduct, habits and mode
of thought and thinks things are true that are not, and acts upon them because he
believes they are true; that a characteristic of this phase of insanity is that while
suffering under it the individual may become dominated with an idea, entirely imag-
inary, that he is being persecuted or threatened with injury from some source and will
make a sudden and violent Attack on aome person his diseased mind suggests is the one
persecuting or intending to injure him. T^ese medical experts gave it as their opinion,
from the evidence in the case and personal examination of the defendant, that he was
suffering from a speU of this phtis of insanity when he killed deceased and was insane
when he did it, so that by reason thereof he was incapable of having a malicious intent
to kill and incapable of deliben^ing upon the act of killing which he committed. The
court permitted these experts to testify that, from the nature of his insanity, when the
defendant killed the deceased he was incapable of resisting an impulse to do it. But the
court at the same time stated that nevertheless it would instruct the jury that in this
State the doctrine oi irresistible impulse, as an excuse for crime, did not exist, and did
so instruct the jury.
The alienists in the '^ People vs. Burr L. Harris" case were Dr. Charles L. Allen,
physician in charge of the psychopathic department, Los Angeles County Hoq^ital; Dr.
Boss Moore, for the defendant; and Drs. James D. Fisher and Thomas J. Orbinson for
the People. Dr. Thomas Nelson (colored) was called as witness in his eapaeity as
family physician.
Crim. No. 1972, in bank, January 3, 1916. The People vs. Thomas Miller, appel-
lant; p. 649. California Beport, 171, Pomeroy, 1915-16. Bichards, Carrier ft Heany,
J. W. 4 W. G. Gammill, for appellant; U# S. Webb, attorney general, and Charles Jones,
deputy attorney general, for reroondent. Appeal from a judgment of the Siqireme
Court of Sat&ta Barbara County, 8. E. Crow, Judge. The appeal was taken and a new
trial granted and £. Burton Ceruti was employed to conduct the second triaL The
alienists called at this trial were Dr. Charles Allen, of Los Angeles (referred to in the
Harris case) ; Dr. L. L. Stanley, resident physician of the State Prison at San Quentin,
for the defendant; and Drs. J. C. Bainbridge and Julius H. Hurst^ for the People. The
record of the Miller second trial can be found in the files of the Superior Court of Santa
Barbara County, California.
Darden, Charles, attorney at law.— The following is an exact quotation of Judge
John W. Shenk's decision in the land litigation case cited in Attorney Darden 's sketch:
"John W. Shenk's decision in the Superior Court of the State of CaUfomia, in and for
the County of Los Angeles. Benjamin Jones and Fanny Guatier, plaintiffs, vs. Berlin
Bealty Company, a corporation, and L. £. Dimit, defendants. 89-346. Findings of facts
and conclusions of law. This case came on regularly to be tried before the courts on
the 21st day of October, 1913. A jury trial having been waived by the respective
parties and Charles Darden, Esq., appeared as attorney for the plaintiffs herein, and
Ingall W. Bull, Esq., appearing as attorney for the defendants, and the Court having
heard the proofs of the respective parties and considered the same, and the records and
papers in the case and the arguments submitted both oraUy and by briefs filed to the
Court of respective counsels for its consideration and decision, the Court now finds the
following:
''Tl^t the facts alleged in the amended complaint one and each thereof is true.
That the facts alleged in the answer, except so far as they are a reiteration of the facts
alleged in the amended complaint, are not, nor is any thereof true. Conclusion of law:
As conclusion of the law from the foregoing, it follows that the plaintiffs are entitled
to a decree against the defendants; that the defendants, Berlin Bealty Company, a cor-
poration, should be required to sell and convey the real property described in the
amended complaint to the plaintiff herein; upon the payment by the plaintiffs to said
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OP CALIFORNIA 313
defendant corporation of balance of the purchase price, title or interest in said property
against plaintiif ; that plaintiffs are entitled to their cost. Let judgment be entered
accordingly. Dated, February 24, 1916. John W. Shenk, Judge."
Education. — The seventh proviso of Section 22, p. 235, in regard to organizing
public schools. School Laws of 1855, of California Staute, said: ''Provided that the
Common Council, on the petition of fifty heads of white families, citizens of the dis-
trict, shaU establish a school or schools in said district and shall award said school or
schools a pro rata of the school funds. ' ' California Reports No. 2, 51, 9. California
Stautes of 1861, ch. 467, p. 521. Senate and Assembly, Section 422, 394. California
Beports, 1872-3, Tuttle 3372. People vs. McGuire, California Statute, 1860. Mary
Frances Ward vs. A. J. Ward, California Report, 48, 1874, p. 36. First School. — ^Ban-
croft 's History of California, Vol. 7, p. 716. Jacob Wright Harlan, California from
1840, 1888, in regard to Leidsdorff. School Laws. — 1855, p. 235; Section 20, seventh
proviso. California Stautes, School Laws, 1866, p. 397.
Fremont's Famous Bide, palftiahed in the National InteUigeneer November 22, 1847.
Jacob Dodson, servant of Captaiimemont, "Bancroft's California," Vo. n, p. 782,
with Captain Fremont in his famous ride from Los Angeles to Monterey, Vol. 4, p. 437;
V<^ 5^ p. 443. He was also with Fremont when he discovered Klamath Lake. Fre-
mont's Famous Bide is quoted from Mr. McOroarty's "California: Its History and
Bomance," in which it said: "The following narrative, vouched for by John Big-
elow, Fremont's eminent biographer, was published in the National Intelligencer
of Washington, D. C, November 22, 1847. The journey was undertaken by Colonel
Fremont to inform (}eneral Kearney of the outbreak of an insurrection at Los Angeles.
It ranks among the most remarkable recorded in history.
"This extraordinary ride of eight hundred miles in eight days, including all stop-
pages and nearly two days' detention, a whole day and night at Monterey and nearly
two days and a half at San Luis Obispo. Having been brought into evidence before
the Army court martial now in session in this city, and a great desire being expressed
by some friends to know how this ride was made, I herewith send you the particulars
that you may publish them, if you please, in the National Intelligencer as an incident
connected with the times and affairs under review in the trial of which you give so full
a report. The circumstances we first got from Jacob, afterward revised by Colonel
Fremont, and I drew them up from his statement The purpose will show, beside the
horsemanship of the riders, the power of the California horse, especially as one of the
horses was subject in the course of the ride to an extraordinary tnal in order to exhibit
the capacity of his race. Of course, this statement will make no allusion to the object
of the journey, being confined strictly to fta performance.
"It was at daybreak on the morning of the 22nd of November, 1846, that the partjr
set out from La Ciudad de Los Angeles (the city in the southern part of Upper Cali-
fornia) to proceed in the shortest time to Monterey on the Pacific Coast, distant fully
four hundred miles. The way over a mountainous country, much of it unhabited, with
no other road than traces, and many defiles to pass, particularly the maritime defiles
of £1 Bincon or Punto Gordo, fifty miles in extent, n&ade by jutting oil a precipitous
mountain into the sea, which can only be passed when the tide is out and th^ sea it
calm, and then, and many places, through waves. The town of Santa Barbara and 8aii
Luis Obispo and an occasional ranch are the principal inhabited places en route. Eft*el\.
of the party had three horses, nine in all, to take tneir turn under the saddle. Tlie sis
loose horses ran ahead without bridle or halter and required some attention to keep to
their track. When wanted for a change, say a distance of twenty miles, they were
caught by the lasso, thrown either by Don Jesus or the servant Jacob, who, though bofft
in Washington, D. C., in his long experience with Colonel Fremont had become as expert
as a Mexican, with the lasso, as sure as the mountaineer with the rifle, equal to either
on horse or foot, and always a lad of courage and fidelity."
Fund Sanitary. — "Through the influence of Bev. Thomas Starr King, California
organized the Sanitary Fund of the United States Army during the Civil War, and sent,
in 1862, $480,000, and afterward $25,000 a month. California sent through its commit-
tee, during the war, to this Sanitary Fund, the sum of $1,200,000, and to the Christian
Fund $34,000. These societies corresponded to the Bed Cross of today."
Homestead Law. — Califoria Statute, 1860, p. 87. An act extending the privileges
of the homestead laws to certain persons and to regulate the creation of the same.
Approved March 13, 1860.
Bight of Testimony. — Article on "Contact of Baces," by John Archibald, a dis-
tinguished newspaper writer during pioneer times, and who afterward published hia
writings in a book called "Contact of Baces," in which the article quoted on the
"Bight of Testimony" appeared on {Jage 86.
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314 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Mines and Mining. — History of Tnolnmne Gonnty (Diek). This aeeoont is quoted
from "Hittell's History of California, '' Vol. HE, p. 118. Bare, Bipe Gold and Silver
Mining Company, San Francisco, April 10, 1868.
Bev. Thomas Starr King. — ^Unitarian minister, coming from New York to California
in 1860. He was a great orator and a friend to the Negro in the fight for Freedom.
He located in San Francisco, but soon became well-known M over the State and through-
out the Nation. About this time the States were seceding from the Union and the
Civil War was just beginning. This little minister, with poor health, forgetting his own
welfare, fired with the importance of California remaining in the Union as a free State,
traveled all over the State, giving lectures on ''Christianity and Humanity," until he
startled and then electrified the people with his lectures. He only lived four years in
California, during which time he won his place in the hearts of the people so thoroughly
that at his death he was given a military funeral, and one of the giant redwood trees
has been named in his memory and in honor of his services to the State.
Vigilance Committee. — John Jones had charge o^ the armory and eouncil room
of the committee. He was also body-servant to Senator Broderick.
San Francisco Bay. — Mrs. Zelia Nuttall has recently published a book through the
Hackluyt Society of London, England. This book covers years of research work in the
archives of Mexico and gives valuable information hitherto unknown. It is called "A
New Light on Drake" (p. 317).
End of the Bpanish Bule in California.— Fr. Zephrin Engelhardt, O. F. M., in "Mis-
sions and Missionaries of California," VoL I, p. 133, says that "King Phillip V had
given orders that the Missions of California should, at his expense, be provided with
everything necessary for Divine worship, such as bells, images, vestment^ lamps, olive
oil and altar wine, and that some missions should be established and maintained from the
royal treasury, but neither of these commands was carried out owing to the indifference
or ill will of those that held office in Mexico. All these articles, besides clothing, tools,
provisions, medicines, furniture, and implements, which they ordered for themselves or
the Indians, were charged to the Upper Missions and paid for from the meager allow-
ance, at the expense of the Missions."
The Pious Fund. — ^The following brief history of the Pious Fund, and the right of
the Boman Catholic church to its principal and income, is quoted from Hon. John F.
Doyle's paper concerning the liti^ion or the same, in which he said: "From the
time of the discovery of California, in 1534, by the expedition fitted out by Cortes, the
colonization of that country and the conversion of its inhabitants to the Catholic faith
was a cherished object with the Spanish monarch. Many expeditions for that purpose
were set on foot at the expense of the crown, during the century and a half succeeding
the discovery. But though attended with enormous expense, none of them were pro-
ductive of the slightest good results. Down to the year 1697, the Spanish monarchs
had failed to acquire any permanent foothold in the vast, territory which they claimed
under the name of California.
The success of the Jesuit fathers in the Minions on the northwest frontier of Mexico
4md elsewhere induced the Spanish government as early as 1643, on the occasion of
fitting out an expedition for California, under admiral Pedro Portal de Casant, to invite
that religious order to take charge of the spiritual ministrations of it and the country
for which it was destined. They accepted the charge, but the expedition failed, like all
its predecessors failed (p. 6). It is a hundred years since the Jesuits were expelled
from Lower California, yet to this day most that we know of its geography, climate,
physical peculiarities and natural history is derived from the relics of the early mis-
aionaries.''
The following account is quoted from the same paper and will givef the reader a
clear idea as to the meaning and origin of the Pious Fund of California:
"Some Account of the Pious Fund of California and the Litigation to Becover.lt,"
by John F. Doyle. ''In the year 1857 I was retained and authorized by the Most Bev.
Archbishop Alemany, of San Francisco, and the Bt. Bev. Bishop Amato, of Monterey, to
take steps to recover for them, as official trustees of the Catholic Church and Catholic
people of this State, the sum due by the government of Mexico to the church, on account
of the Pious Fund of CaUfomia, the properties belonging to which had been appropri-
■ated by Santa Ana, in 1842. to the use of the public treasury. Neither of the reverend
prelates had any specific information on the subject of the Pious Fund, but its existence
and confiscation were matters of public notoriety in the country, deiived by tradition
from the old missionaries. The archbishop had in his possession a few old papers, found
among the archives of the diocese, which embraced copies of correspondence between
the administrator appointed by the Mexican Government and the agent of the former
bishop of Monterey, about the time of the seizure, wherein the latter had protested
against the proceedings, but under duress had given a inventory of the properties.
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OP CALIFORNIA 315
From these papers I learned the eircnmstances of the seizure and something of the char-
acter and value of the property taken.
Under the authority of the archbishop and bishop I addressed a letter in July, 1859^
to Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of State, requesting the interposition of the United States
Government with that of Mexico in this favor, and I subsequently presented the claim
to the mixed committee appointed under the convention between the United States and
Mexico, July 4, 1868. The rule of the commission called for a Memorial of the Claim, as
the pleading on the part of the claimant and prescribed its formal requests. With my
memorial I filed a brief history of the Pious Fund, compiled and condensed from the
results of many years' reading and study of Mexican history and Mexican books, in
which I was fortunate enough to state the facts with such accuracy that none of its
allegations were controverted. ' *
Pious Fund. — ^As given by Fr. Engelhardt in "Missions and Missionaries of Oali-
fomia,'' in which he said, "Flirchase of Upper California by the United States, in 1848,
Mexico failed to pay any part of the income to the proper recipients in Upper Call-
fomia and as a confluence upon the information of the mixed committee under the
Treaty of 1868, to adjust claims of citizens of the United States or of Mexico against
the other governments. The Archbishop of San Francisco and the Bishop of Monterey
and Grass Valley, through the American agent, presented the claim against the Bepublio
of Mexico for the proper portion of the income of said fund. Bringing it to the
attention of the mixed commission on March 30, 1870. Mexico in January 20, 1890,
Wm. F. Horton. James G. Blaine. Secretary of State; John W. Forster, Walter Q.
Gresham, John Sherman, W. B. Day and John Hay. The case was placed before the
Tribunal of Arbitration at The Hague, which on October 14, 1902, unanimously decided
and pronounced as follows: (P. 598) "That the said claim of the United States of
America for the benefit of the Archbishop of San Francisco and of the Bishop of
Monterey is governed by the principle of resjudicata by virtue of the arbitral sentence
of Sir Edward Thornton on November 2, 1875, amended by him October 24, 1876. That
conformity to this arbitral sentencel the Government of the Bepublic of Mexico must
pay to the Government of the United States the sum of $1,420,682.67 Mexican, in
money having legal currency in Mexico, within the period fixed by article ten, of the
protocol of Mexico, of May 22, 1902. This sum of $1,420,682.67 will totally extin-
guish the annuities accumulated and not paid by the Government of the Mexican
Bepublic. That is to say, this annunty of $43,050.99 Mexican, from February 2, 1869,
to February 2, 1902. The Government of the Bepublic of Mexico shall pay to the Gov-
ernment of the United States of America on February 2, 1903, and each following year
on the same date of February perpetuaUy, the annuity of $43,505.99 Mexican, in money
having legal currency in Mexico.'' Hence Mexico must forever each year pay to the
Catholic authorities of Upper California on one-half of the Pious Fund property,
which the Mexican Govemxnentl confiscated and diverted into its treasury despite the
intentions of the donors, and which sum annually amounts to the other half of the
property of the Pious Fund property, and its income belongs to the Catholic Church
of Lower CaUfomia."
Pious Fund. — ^As quoted from Hon. John McGroarty's "California, Its History
and Bomance," in which it said: ''Archbishop Biordan, of San Francisco, Protocol of
May 22, 1902, signed by John Hay, United States Secretary of State, and Senor de
Aspires, Mexican Ambassador, at Washington, D. C, by which the entire matter was
settled with the permanent Court of Arbitration, under The Hague Convention of 1899.
Beport of Jackson H. Balston, Agent of the United States, and Counsel in the matter
of the Pious Fund case. The report was made to Hon. John Hay, Secretary of State,
of the United States, on November 10, 1902 (see p. 915, Appendix U), Foreign Belation,
U. S. vs. Mexico."
Cabeza de Vaca. — ^'*It is well known that Cabeza de Vaca wrote two principal
works, both of which were published at Valladolid in 1555 by Frances Fernandez de
Cordova. The first one of these two books is a second issue of the one translated here.
The other gives an account of his vicissitudes in Paraguay, and what is now the Argen-
tine Bepublic, and bears the title of 'Commentaries de Alva Nuez Cabeza de la Plata.'
The print from 1555 is the earliest known of the 'Commentaries of Nanfragios' here
translated. No earlier issue has been found; only two copies of it are known, one of
which is perfect and is at the Lennox branch of the Public Library of New York, the
other somewhat damaged at the British Museum. The oldest print of the 'Nanfragios'
is from 1542 and was published at Zamora. Its text has been followed exclusively in
this translation."
The writer has deemed it of value to quote this preface from F. Bandeile's book,
quoted elsewhere, and which has given valuable 'material concerning "Estevancio,"
who was with "Cabeza de Vaca" while on the nine years' journey across the continent.
316 THE NEGRO TRAIL BLAZERS
Estevaneio. — ^The following is quoted from Fr. Zephyrin Engelhardt, O. F. M^ who,
in hifl "Missions and Missionaries of California," said in volume I, p. 24: "IiOW«r
California. — ^The poor returns which Gortez had obtained from his various costly
enterprises did not deter Viceroy Mendoza from making other attempts to acquire
more territory that would yield the wealth which all desired. At his request Friar
Marco of Nizza. a Franciscan Friar of the Province of the 'Holy Gospel Mexico/ set out
to explore the region to the north of Sonora, entirely unarmed and accompanied by
Estevaneio, the colored survivor of 'Narvaz's expedition."
Slavery in California. — The following laws concerning slavery in the Spanish
Colonies is given that the reader may fully understand the laws concerning slavery
while California was Spanish territory, and is quoted from Help's 'Slavery in the
%>anish Colonies,' in which it is said (VoL I, p. 121): ''Sept. 15, 1528. The same
year was signalized by a Boyal order in favor of the Negro. * * * in order to ani-
■Duii# the Negroes to work, and to induce them to marry, the Emperor is informed that
it wovM be well that they should be enabled to purchase their freedom, fixing the rate
at twaaty marks of gold, at the least, and he desired the authority to fix the rate. * • *
Voh 4, pp. 338-9-40. The foregoing laws and the privileges of the Indiana must have
.reii4er^ labor scarce in the Spani^ Indies. The fatal consequence naturally ensued of
an uiereaaed demand for Negro labor and accordingly licenses for importing seventeen
thousaad Negro slaves were' offered for sale in the year 1551. In the following year
Phillip the Second concluded a bargain for the grant of a monopoly to import twenty-
three l^oosand Negroes into the Indies, and so the traffic went on until the great
Assienti of 1713 between the English and the Spanish Governments was concluded
respecting the importation of Negroes into Spanish America.
The number of Negroes imported to America between the year 1517 wfcen the
trade was first permitted by Charles the Fifth, to 1807, the year in which the Britiib
Parliament passed the act abolishing the slave trade, cannot be estimated at less than
five or six million. * * * The Court of Spain was not inattentive to the treatment
of the Negroes any more thaa tbat of the Indians. As early as 1537 there is a letter
from Cuba, addressed by iome official person to the Empress informing her majesty
that the Negroes are strongor than the Indians, and that they were well fed, and
that in accordance with the Boyal order they have a holiday of four months duration
• * * There is one law, however, of high importance in favor of the Negroes.
* * * We command our Boyal Andiencof, that if any Negro or Negress, or any
other person reputed slave should publicly demand their liberty, they should be heard,
and justice be done them, and care be taken that they should not on that account of
their demanding their liberty be maltreated by the masters (p. 340). The earliest law
that declared the ground on which the Negroes could denumd their liberty dates from
the year 1528. in which it is provided that a Negro, having served a certain time
should be entitled to his liberty upon the payment of a certain sum not to be less
than twenty marks of gold, the exact amount to be settled by Boyal Au^ority.
That many Negroes did obtain their liberty may be inferred from the fact of there
being several laws having reference to free Negroes enacted, for instance, what tribute
they should pay, and with whom they should live and commanding that free Negresses,
unless married to Spaniards, should not wear gold ornaments, pearls or silk."
Slavery in California. — English Treaties is quoted from "The History of Slavery
and the Slave Trade," by W. O. Blake, p. 250-302-553.
Auction of Slaves. — Quoted from George Tinkham's "Men and Events," pp.
157-8; Freedom Papers, from the CaUfomia Archives, at the University of California,
through the courtesy of Dr. Owen C. Coy; other papers from individuals, through the
courtesy of Hon. Monroe Works, of Tuskegee Institute, of Tuskegee, Alabama, who
published one paper of the writer's article on "Slavery in California," and which
appeared in the J<mmdl of Negro History for January, 1918, a slavery paper which
he had secured concerning slavery in Los Angeles, California.
Betumed to Slavery. — California Beports, No. 9, Expartra Archey and Beport No. 2,
pp. 424-6. Slaves emancipated through the courte of California, and friends, is quoted
from the diaries of the late Bev. J. B. Sanderson, Bancroft's "History of California,"
George Tinkham's book "Men and Events." old newspaper files in the Bancroft
Library, between the dates of 1848 and 1885. The account of Mammy Pleasants is
quoted from the San FranoUeo CaU, January 4, 1904, the Oakland Tribvns, September
3, 1916, the last named being a reprint ftom the San Franeiseo News I^ettar. The
marriage of a Manumitted slave — California Beport No. 51, p. 120. Slavery in Cali-
fornia — a paper by Prof. C. A. Duneway, read oef ore the American Historical Sd^ety,
1910, a paper published in the Boston Transcript by Marion Beynolds, on "fflavory in
California," "Memories o€ Slavery ii| California," by Cornelius Cole (Senator).
OP CALIFORNIA 317
Soldier, Negro. — The Toassaint L'Ouvertnre proclamation is quoted from Wendel
Phillips' estimate of "Tonssaiiit L'Ouverture/' and appeared in the book ''Toussaint
L'OuTertnre and Hayti's Struggle for Independence," by 0. W. Mossell, published in
Lockport, N. Y., 1890.
Panama Pacific International Exposition. — This chapter, in a great measure, has
been quoted as to the description of the different courts from the charming little book
by Mrs. Juliet James, on "The Palaces and Courts of the P. P. L £." This book was
published in San Francisco during 1915.
Negro Press. — The pioneer history and the sketch concerning Phillip A. Bell has
been quoted from the "Afro-American Press and Its Editors," by I. Garland Penn,
and published in 1890.
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